Racist abuse against Vinicius not proven as Prestianni is banned for homophobia
By Jamie Gardner, Press Association Chief Sports Reporter
An allegation of racism towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been found not proven by UEFA, with the Argentinian effectively given a two-match ban after admitting using homophobic language towards the Brazilian during a Champions League match in February.
UEFA announced on Friday afternoon that Prestianni had been given a six-match ban for homophobic conduct. Three of those matches are suspended for two years and one has already been served after a provisional ban imposed for the return match between the sides on February 25 was included within this sanction.
The Press Association understands Prestianni admitted using a homophobic slur within UEFA’s investigation, with the allegation that racist language was used found not proven by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB).
Prestianni covered his mouth when speaking to Vinicius during the game in Lisbon on February 17, making it harder to determine what was said.
That incident prompted FIFA to bring forward a proposal for a law change at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets football’s laws, on February 28.
The matter is set to be discussed further at an IFAB meeting in Canada next Tuesday, ahead of FIFA Congress on April 30. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last month that he believed red cards should be issued where a player covers their mouth when confronting an opponent.
The decision on Prestianni is subject to appeal – including by UEFA itself. The suspension covers Prestianni’s next two matches in a UEFA competition, but UEFA has asked for the sanction to be extended worldwide by FIFA. If that extension was agreed, he could be ruled out of Argentina’s opening two World Cup matches if selected in their squad.
Prestianni confronted Vinicius after his goal against Benfica in a knockout play-off round match on February 17. Vinicius appeared visibly upset and immediately informed the referee.
The match was paused in line with UEFA regulations, resulting in a stoppage in play that lasted 10 minutes.
Vinicius wrote on his Instagram story after the match: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.
“But they have protection from others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life and my family’s.”
Benfica issued a statement at the time insisting Prestianni vehemently denied using racist language towards Vinicius.
