UEFA bans Benfica’s Prestianni for anti-gay abuse toward Vinícius Júnior

Gianluca Prestianni receives a six-match UEFA ban, with three games suspended for two years
Incident occurred during Benfica’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid in February
UEFA investigation concluded abuse was anti-gay rather than racist

UEFA has handed Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni a six-match suspension for using anti-gay language toward Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match in February.

Three of those matches have been suspended for a two-year period, meaning Prestianni will serve a total of three games unless he reoffends. One match has already been served as a provisional suspension, leaving two further games to be completed.

The incident took place during the playoff first leg in Lisbon, which Real Madrid won 1-0. After Vinícius scored and celebrated, Prestianni approached him and spoke while covering his mouth with his shirt. The Brazil international immediately reported the exchange to referee François Letexier, who halted the game and made the crossed-arms gesture associated with discrimination allegations.

Initially, Vinícius believed he had been racially abused. However, UEFA’s investigation determined that Prestianni used an anti-gay slur rather than racist language.

Under UEFA disciplinary regulations, sanctions for discriminatory abuse — including racism and homophobia — fall under the same framework, carrying significant suspensions.

UEFA confirmed it has asked FIFA to extend the ban worldwide, meaning it could also apply to matches outside UEFA competitions, including international fixtures.

Benfica acknowledged the decision in a statement, confirming the details of the suspension and noting that the remaining matches must be served in UEFA competitions or in Argentina national team fixtures under FIFA jurisdiction.

The case adds to ongoing concerns around discriminatory behaviour in European football, with UEFA having also fined Benfica last month for racist abuse by supporters during the same fixture.

The governing body’s ruling reinforces its stance on punishing all forms of discrimination, with strict sanctions aimed at deterring similar incidents in the future.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.