The Digest:
UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni for one match following allegations of racist abuse directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. The suspension means the Argentine will miss Wednesday's Champions League knockout playoff second leg against Real Madrid. UEFA announced the decision on Monday, stating it was informed by an interim report from its Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, citing "prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to a discriminatory behaviour." The governing body emphasised the provisional suspension is "without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation." Prestianni has denied using a racial slur, claiming Vinicius "misunderstood" what was said in the heat of the moment during the first leg, which Real Madrid won 1-0.
Key Points:
- The provisional suspension prevents Prestianni from facing Real Madrid in crucial second leg.
- It signals UEFA's seriousness in investigating the allegations despite Prestianni's denial.
- Benfica loses key player, while Real Madrid gains advantage.
- This reflects UEFA's interim action while full investigation continues.
- The timing, ahead of decisive match, impacts team selection.
UEFA suspends Prestianni for one match over alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Jr, ruling him out of Wednesday's Champions League second leg.
Sources: TheCable, UEFA Statement
