Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has strongly denied accusations that he racially abused Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
The alleged incident happened during Benfica’s February meeting with the Spanish giants, when Prestianni was accused of directing racist language at Vinicius while covering his mouth with his shirt.
The accusation quickly sparked outrage, forcing the referee to activate UEFA’s anti-racism protocol and temporarily halt the match, reports Batimes.
Following the controversy, UEFA suspended the Benfica youngster for the return leg in Madrid while launching an official investigation. Real Madrid eventually progressed 3-1 on aggregate to book their place in the last 16.
Prestianni Says He Was Punished Without Proof
Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, Prestianni insisted he had been unfairly judged and punished without evidence.
Read Also: Real Madrid Consider Promoting 18-Year-Old Breakout Star To First Team Next Season
The 20-year-old admitted the situation had deeply affected him and his family, saying the accusations did not reflect who he is as a person. He described the entire ordeal as painful and difficult to process.
Prestianni also thanked Benfica, his teammates and manager José Mourinho for supporting him internally throughout the investigation.
Mourinho had earlier stated that if the racism allegation is ultimately proven, the Argentine winger would never play for him again. Prestianni, meanwhile, remains focused on rebuilding his reputation and chasing his dream of representing Argentina national football team at a future World Cup.
COMMENTS