Controversy is rare in the Champions League, and the fallout from Benfica’s first leg against Real Madrid has taken a turn for the worse.
UEFA has officially announced that Benfica striker Gianluca Prestianni will not take part in the crucial second match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid next Wednesday.
The news comes after Prestianni was provisionally suspended following a week of controversy and criticism in the aftermath of the first leg at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz stadium.
Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior complained about alleged racist abuse during the match, which was suspended for ten minutes before resuming.
UEFA investigation into allegations of racism at Vinícius Júnior
The suspension comes in response to the ongoing investigation by a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector into the alleged racist abuse during the first leg between Benfica and Real Madrid.
During the first leg, Prestianni was seen on camera covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinícius Júnior, leading to the Benfica striker’s suspension for the crucial second leg match.
Real Madrid players, led by Kylian Mbappé, have spoken out in their support for their teammate Vinícius Júnior, who has denied allegations of racist abuse during the first leg in Lisbon.
Mbappe claimed he had heard the insults and urged authorities to take a strong stance against such behavior in European competition.
Huge blow for Benfica ahead of Real Madrid’s second leg
For Benfica, the loss of Prestianni is a huge sporting blow. The Portuguese club already face a tough task after losing the first leg 1-0, thanks to a goal from Vinícius Júnior.
The club now enters the Spanish capital without their creative spark.
In their statement, Benfica acknowledged their player’s suspension but expressed regret that they had been “deprived” of their player.
The club have indicated they will appeal, but admitted there is little hope their player will be available for the match.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho came under fire for comments aimed at Vincius. Many colleagues, such as Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompay, say Mourinho’s comments were ‘a mistake’.
Can Real Madrid finish the job at the Bernabéu?
All eyes are on the Bernabeu as football fans around the world await the outcome of the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League match.
For Vinícius Júnior, it is just another battle in his fight against racism and discrimination in football, a battle he continues to wage with great courage.
Pending the outcome of the UEFA investigation, Prestianni is already a spectator as his club attempts to pull off a miracle against the reigning UEFA Champions League kings.
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