Real Madrid: Benfica’s Prestianni slams UEFA for banning him ‘without proof’ of alleged Vinicius abuse
The Argentine was hurt by missing the return leg.
Benfica‘s Gianluca Prestianni has criticised UEFA for banning him for alleged racist abuse of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, claiming they handed down the suspension “without proof”.
Prestianni was given a provisional one-game ban for a prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to a discriminatory behaviour.
That followed an incident in which he was accused of directing racist language towards Vinicius after he gave Madrid the lead in the first leg of their Champions League playoff-round tie with Benfica at Estadio da Luz in February.
The game was stopped for eight minutes after Vinicius left the field having lodged his complaint with the referee.
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Benfica’s Prestianni ‘hurt’ by ban for Real Madrid second leg
Benfica appealed against Prestianni’s ban, but that was dismissed by UEFA, meaning he missed a return leg that Madrid won 2-1 to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory. UEFA’s investigation of the incident is ongoing.
“I have never been racist, and I never will be. What hurt me the most was to be accused of something I never did,” Prestianni told Telefe.
“It was something I didn’t say, and they punished me without proof.
“I was very hurt that I couldn’t play the return leg. But it’s over.”
Benfica threw their full support behind Prestianni, expressing their belief that the Argentina international was the victim of a “smear campaign”.
“I’m very grateful to my club, which believed in me and supported me in every way,” Prestianni added.
“Both the club and my team-mates that showed me that [support] behind closed doors. [Benfica coach Jose] Mourinho is a great person. I spoke with him and my team-mates to clarify things.
“I’m calm that those who know me know what type of person I am and that’s enough for me.”
Prestianni eyeing World Cup
Benfica still have an outside chance of winning the Primeira Liga. Mourinho’s side are seven points behind leaders Porto with seven games remaining.
For Prestianni, who was in the squad but did not feature for Argentina in the latest round of international fixtures, the aim is now to secure a place in the defending world champions’ travelling party for this summer’s World Cup in North America.
“I dream of being at the World Cup,” he added. “That’s what I’m working for every day, to have that opportunity.
“It’s a pleasure to be with this squad fighting for a spot. I think I’m doing things really well at Benfica.”