Portuguese football club SL Benfica has vehemently denied allegations of racism against their player Gianluca Prestianni, claiming the 20-year-old winger is the victim of a “defamation campaign” following an incident with Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. during Tuesday night’s Champions League clash.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has launched an official investigation after the Brazilian forward reported alleged racist abuse to referee Francois Letexier, prompting a 10-minute halt to the play-off first leg at the Estádio da Luz.
Vinicius Jr., who has been subjected to numerous racist attacks throughout his career, later took to social media to declare that “racists are, above all, cowards”.
However, the incident has taken a sharp turn with Benfica launching a robust defence of their player. In an official statement released on Wednesday, the club expressed its full support for Prestianni and leveled accusations against those rallying behind the Real Madrid forward.
“Benfica reiterates that it fully supports and believes in the version presented by the player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct in the service of the club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions and the principles that define Benfica’s identity,” the club stated . “The club regrets the defamation campaign of which the player has been a victim”.
Prestianni, who could face a minimum 10-match ban from European competition if found guilty, has also personally denied the allegations. “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard,” Prestianni wrote on social media.
“I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players”.
The controversy has drawn sharp reactions from across the football world, with Benfica’s response, and that of their manager, Jose Mourinho, drawing significant criticism.
Following the match, Mourinho suggested that Vinicius Jr.’s goal celebration was “disrespectful” and pointed to the club’s legendary black striker, Eusebio, as proof that Benfica “is not a racist club”.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has condemned the club’s stance. Chair Sanjay Bhandari told BBC Sport that both the club and its high-profile manager had “failed” in their response. “It’s a natural inclination to want to believe your player, but the reality is they didn’t hear it,” Bhandari said.
“There’s only two people who are in that conversation and two people who could have heard what was said. I think the better reaction from a club with Benfica’s fantastic stature would be to say we’re going to cooperate with the investigation. Discrimination is one thing, the gaslighting is another”.
In contrast to Benfica’s defence, Real Madrid’s players have united in support of their teammate. Kylian Mbappe delivered a scathing assessment of the incident, claiming he heard the slur clearly. “He put his shirt down here and said ‘monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey’,” Mbappe told reporters.
“I heard him say it, and some Benfica players heard him too… This guy doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League anymore”.
Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold described the incident as a “disgrace to football,” adding, “There is no place for it in football or society. It is disgusting”.
Benfica has attempted to undermine the allegations by releasing video footage on their official X account, arguing that Real Madrid players were too far away to have heard any exchange. “As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard,” the club posted.
UEFA has confirmed the appointment of an “ethics and disciplinary inspector” to investigate the matter. In a statement, the governing body said it is investigating “potential violation of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations” during the match.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also weighed in, stating he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident and commending the referee for activating the anti-racism protocol.