Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has warned that Gianluca Prestianni will have no future at the club if found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Junior during last month’s Champions League play-off in Lisbon.
The 20-year-old Argentine denies the claims but faces UEFA investigation and a provisional one-match ban, which caused him to miss the second leg.
Mourinho, who was initially criticized for his response, clarified his stance at a press conference on Sunday.
“I am completely, utterly opposed to any kind of discrimination or prejudice or ignorance or stupidity,” he said, adding that any player violating these principles would see their career at Benfica end immediately under his management.
The flashpoint occurred after Vinicius scored the only goal of the game at Estádio da Luz, reports RTE Sports.
Prestianni allegedly made a racial remark while covering his mouth, prompting UEFA to open disciplinary proceedings.
Mourinho emphasized the importance of presumption of innocence but made clear that guilt would carry serious consequences.
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“If my player did not respect these principles… then that player’s career with a coach named Jose Mourinho and at a club named Benfica will come to an end,” he stated.
The investigation continues, and Prestianni’s future at Benfica now depends entirely on UEFA’s findings. The club and its supporters await the verdict, with Mourinho insisting that discrimination of any form will not be tolerated.
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