The Digest:
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has reportedly told UEFA's investigation that he used a homophobic slur against Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, rather than racist language, during Tuesday's Champions League clash. According to ESPN, the 20-year-old Argentine admitted to calling Vinicius an anti-gay slur, which he initially denied. Further footage appears to show Prestianni openly using the slur before covering his mouth. Vinicius had accused Prestianni of calling him a "monkey," leading to a 10-minute match halt after UEFA's racism protocol was activated. Real Madrid has submitted evidence to UEFA, with Kylian Mbappe claiming he heard the abuse "five times." Vinicius branded Prestianni a "coward" in response. UEFA's disciplinary regulations stipulate a minimum 10-match suspension for abuse based on sexual orientation or race. Benfica boss Jose Mourinho had earlier criticised Vinicius's celebration.
Key Points:
- The admission shifts the allegation from racism to homophobic abuse, but both carry identical UEFA sanctions.
- It confirms that discriminatory language was used, regardless of the specific slur.
- Vinicius's credibility is reinforced, while Prestianni faces a potential 10-match ban.
- This signals that UEFA treats all forms of discriminatory abuse equally severely.
- The timing, with the evidence submitted, puts pressure on UEFA to take decisive action.
Sources: GOAL, ESPN, UEFA
