Idman.biz
"Benfica" has responded to UEFA's decision to temporarily disqualify midfielder Gianluca Prestianni.
İdman.Biz reports that last week "Real Madrid" defeated "Benfica" 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League play-off stage. During the game, "Real Madrid" winger Vinicius Junior told the referee that Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt and called him a "monkey." The Benfica forward later denied racially abusing the Brazilian. UEFA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Today, February 23, UEFA announced its decision to temporarily disqualify the Argentine player. He will miss the return game against the Madrid club.
"Benfica" Football Club has been informed of UEFA's decision to temporarily suspend Gianluca Prestianni for one match as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident that occurred during the match against Real Madrid.
The club regrets losing the player during the investigation and will appeal UEFA's decision, although given the timing, it is unlikely to have any impact on the second leg of the Champions League play-off stage.
"Benfica" also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fighting all forms of racism and discrimination, which is part of its historical identity and daily activities, its global community, the work of the "Benfica" Foundation and key figures in the club's history, such as Eusebio," the club said in a statement.
18:56
"Benfica" midfielder Gianluca Prestianni has been disqualified by UEFA pending an investigation into alleged racism against Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior after the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off between the two clubs.
İdman.Biz reports this with reference to the organization's official statement.
"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has today decided to provisionally suspend Gianluca Prestianni from playing in his next UEFA club competition match for an apparent violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations regarding discriminatory conduct.
This is without prejudice to any decision that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may take at the end of the ongoing investigation," the official UEFA statement said.
