Gianluca Prestianni is likely to be available to face Real Madrid on Wednesday, one week after Vinicius Junior accused him of racist abuse.
The Benfica winger allegedly abused Vinicius after the Real Madrid forward scored the winning goal in their Champions League knockout play-off first leg on Tuesday in Lisbon.
Vinicius informed the referee that he believed he had been racially abused, with Francois Letexier initiating the anti-racism protocol and suspending the game for around 10 minutes.
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the incident but Sky Sports News has been told it could take up to three weeks to conclude.
If found guilty, Prestianni - who denies the allegation - will be suspended for at least 10 games.
On Thursday, Real Madrid stated they had "provided UEFA with all the available evidence on the incidents".
"Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA after the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match.
"Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous endorsement, support and affection that our player Vinicius Junior has received from all areas of world football.
"Real Madrid will continue to work, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and society."
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius' Real Madrid team-mate, said after the game he and other Benfica players heard what Prestianni said to Vinicius.
But Benfica released a statement on Wednesday offering their "full support" to their player and suggested a "defamation campaign" is in action against him.
Mourinho suggests Vinicius 'incited' reaction
Jose Mourinho, the Benfica manager, has been widely criticised for his reaction to the incident.
Vinicius reacted to his goal by dancing in front of the Benfica fans, after which Mourinho said: "When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way."
Later asked if he believed Vinicius "incited" the home crowd and players with his celebration, the Benfica boss added: "Yeah, I believe so. The words they exchange, Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent. I don't comment about it.
"When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black [Eusebio]. This club, the last thing it is is racist.
"There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. Every stadium that Vinicius plays [in] something happens. Always."
Carra: It's rich coming from Mourinho
Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher, speaking on CBS, described Mourinho as "a guy who celebrates and antagonises the opposition probably more than any coach has ever done".
"Anyone can celebrate how they like," Carragher added. "You shouldn't get racially abused no matter what.
"It feels a little rich coming from Mourinho.
"Remember him running down the touchline at Old Trafford? I remember in a cup final against Liverpool when Chelsea scored very late, [Mourinho was] telling all the Liverpool supporters to shut up.
"It's a bit rich coming from him to be having a pop at Vinicius Junior for his celebration. It's a huge goal in a big Champions League game, he's more than entitled to celebrate how he likes."
'It's hypocrisy from Jose'
Meanwhile, Micah Richards described Mourinho's comments as "hypocrisy".
"Mourinho is someone who I absolutely love as a coach," the Sky Sports pundit said on CBS' Champions League coverage.
"I expect better from him because he's a powerful person within the sport. A lot of people listen to what he says.
"It's hypocrisy from him talking about Vinicius Junior when he celebrates how he wants."
Seedorf: Mourinho made 'big mistake'
Former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who was working as a pundit at the game, said Mourinho made "a big mistake" with his comments.
He said on Amazon Prime: "I think he made a big mistake today to justify racial abuse. I'm not saying that was the case today but he mentioned something more than today.
"He said wherever he goes these things happen so he's saying it's OK when Vinicius provokes you, that is it OK to be racist and I think that is very wrong.
"We should never, ever justify racial abuse."
Kick It Out accuses Mourinho of 'gaslighting'
Meanwhile, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has accused Mourinho of gaslighting for his response to Vinicius Jr's allegations of racist abuse.
A Kick It Out statement said: "When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported.
"Focusing on Vinicius Junior's goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.
"This approach not only harms the individual affected but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations.
"Leaders in football have a crucial role in setting standards, and moments like these call for responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusion, and accountability.
"We look forward to a thorough investigation into this incident, with appropriate accountability linked to the outcome."
Rohacdipr
0
is here
reggy105
0
I hope you score a hat trick Gianluca Prestianni ... i hope u crack the Bernabeu i putting my money on you 3 goals Let's Go
EmeraldJ
1
Nothing will happen to him, you think it’s Africa abi. Africa different from Europe. Only fans can go against him on field that’s all they can do
You think so? No wahala
Ronabdelt
1
Aslm
TheHerony
0
he should come we will wait for him there
rouemnosty
1
I have always respected Mourinho. But even Drogba will not stick out his neck for him like he did when mourinho was in Turkey. I am really disappointed. This is one of the moments that it was better to keep quite
Mazvita
0
on your TV screen
Not TV but on my laptop
Isaaci-zoh
0
Bro let the investigation end and see what happens next. He said it for real but who will prove him that he’s guilty. He cover up his mouth and talk. Vinicius provoke him, not only him a black player on pitch. He always looking for attention all the time.
yes vincus attention always
Isaaci-zoh
0
Do not suspend him we fans will deal with him for 90mn
on your TV screen
Lion-El-MessiBarca
0
Bro let the investigation end and see what happens next. He said it for real but who will prove him that he’s guilty. He cover up his mouth and talk. Vinicius provoke him, not only him a black player on pitch. He always looking for attention all the time.
we are in the same page.
Richard0010
0
I don't see how they are going to prove that without any voice recording. He might said it but they might not be able to prove it. But under Madrid pressure, he will get suspended.
Bro let the investigation end and see what happens next. He said it for real but who will prove him that he’s guilty. He cover up his mouth and talk. Vinicius provoke him, not only him a black player on pitch. He always looking for attention all the time.
Richard0010
0
It will be a huge mistake to bring that guy to Madrid. His security cannot be guaranteed
Nothing will happen to him, you think it’s Africa abi. Africa different from Europe. Only fans can go against him on field that’s all they can do
yenelmnopr
0
Really we 4 or 5 players Pepe, Ramos, contrao, arbeloa and cavalho i like to see this stupid boy prestianni around them on the field , but no worry asencio is there waiting for him, let him play.
Fewbdnpruy
0
vini is worst than that prestianiani call him
like your grandfather 👴 🤡
EmeraldJ
1
It will be a huge mistake to bring that guy to Madrid. His security cannot be guaranteed
danailsty
1
Carreras throws himself in the area no cads but the benfica players gets a yellow card card from faking this is all bulshit so Madrid isn’t eleminated
danailsty
0
This is all bulshit
danailsty
1
Real Madrid is full of shit because they had this planned Rodger was already there to try to prevent confrontation it’s because he knew what was going to happen if Vinicius score all they are doing is try to take the players out of the way because they are afraid evendough mourinho isn’t on the bench benfica could repit what they did before look who are the witnesses two Madrid players
Desciklnot
3
vini is worst than that prestianiani call him
Desciklnot
1
I don't care about the pepper in the eyes of Mounrhio, I believe e dey pain him well... but that Prestianni, he must be suspended in about 30 games, with heavy fine before he could touch a ball again.
And vini for 50 games
sheffayo
1
I don't care about the pepper in the eyes of Mounrhio, I believe e dey pain him well... but that Prestianni, he must be suspended in about 30 games, with heavy fine before he could touch a ball again.
You must be a fool. Did Real Madrid provide another angle of evidence while Vini called him coward trash? Which coach is signing black players more than Jose Mourhino? Vini crossed the line, or was the Mourhino asked the referee to booked him for indecent displayed in front of home supporters
Mazvita
2
Do not suspend him we fans will deal with him for 90mn
Heaabdkms
4
I don't care about the pepper in the eyes of Mounrhio, I believe e dey pain him well... but that Prestianni, he must be suspended in about 30 games, with heavy fine before he could touch a ball again.
Danke1
1
I don't see how they are going to prove that without any voice recording. He might said it but they might not be able to prove it. But under Madrid pressure, he will get suspended.
Him celebrating in that corner with camera men and mics nearby obviously something was definitely picked.
Busaiklrsu
2
10 matches for Benfica player, very good. what will be the punishment for a player who walks out of the pitch.
will you please take sense out of the non and give readers an answer. Etoo and others great African players passed through all this, but not one day they left the pitch. I need an answer as a warning to other players.
payceotuz
0
Nobody supports racists. But if Vini can’t change his attitudes, the will keep abusing him racially. Why is he always being abuse everywhere and every time by everyone. What evidence other than what everybody body saw on the pitch. This case is hard to prove bcos because players have always been covering mouth while talking to each other. But it is VARMADRID, they will get what they want
rmz777
1
I hope he gets to play. They will crucify him at the Bernabeau. Hopefully somebody takes him out!!
thank buddy for knowing the power of madrid😉
neobclopst
1
Mourinho is right Vini bad mouths and insults opponents through talks, gestures and other means of provocations..... What did the whole real Madrid team did to Yamal? The Bernabeu chanted racist tones on Yamal players like Vini, Carvajal, Rudiger, Bellingham and Valverde went out to fight Yamal without feeling ashame of themselves.....
you people are just watching ball you know nothing about football did they abuse yamal they told him he talk too much is that an abuse I can see that you no nothing about football
Cicblnopyz
1
10 matches for Benfica player, very good. what will be the punishment for a player who walks out of the pitch.
it's better to stay quiet instead of talking nonsense you know nothing about football rules when racism appears in the football game
Lion-El-MessiBarca
2
Mourinho is right Vini bad mouths and insults opponents through talks, gestures and other means of provocations..... What did the whole real Madrid team did to Yamal? The Bernabeu chanted racist tones on Yamal players like Vini, Carvajal, Rudiger, Bellingham and Valverde went out to fight Yamal without feeling ashame of themselves.....
Good point. Before they cry, they should apologize to Yamal for all the abuses that he received.
Football_Wiz25
4
I hope he gets to play. They will crucify him at the Bernabeau. Hopefully somebody takes him out!!
jaobeiklmo
1
all this idiots always jump to conclusions.
Lion-El-MessiBarca
1
I don't see how they are going to prove that without any voice recording. He might said it but they might not be able to prove it. But under Madrid pressure, he will get suspended.
Yeadinpryz
3
Mourinho is right Vini bad mouths and insults opponents through talks, gestures and other means of provocations..... What did the whole real Madrid team did to Yamal? The Bernabeu chanted racist tones on Yamal players like Vini, Carvajal, Rudiger, Bellingham and Valverde went out to fight Yamal without feeling ashame of themselves.....
Busaiklrsu
1
10 matches for Benfica player, very good. what will be the punishment for a player who walks out of the pitch.