Why suspends Prestianni: Covering mouth, Vinícius & Mbappé testimonies cited

UEFA has officially announced that Benfica player Prestianni has been handed a one-match provisional suspension. According to Cadena SER, Prestianni’s statement, his unusual reaction of covering his mouth with his shirt during the match, and the testimonies of Vinícius and Mbappé have provided grounds for this temporary ban. The relevant investigation is still ongoing.

As reported by Cadena SER, the investigation was launched this Monday, following the incident in which Prestianni is suspected of racially abusing Vinícius. Following verification with relevant parties by investigators, UEFA has identified Prestianni as the suspected perpetrator of the racist incident.

It is understood that Prestianni’s statement to investigators, his unusual reaction of covering his mouth with his shirt when accused, his indifferent attitude in the face of allegations, the relevant procedures promptly initiated by referee Letexier, and the firm testimonies of Vinícius and Mbappé together form key evidence. These factors have identified the Argentine player as the person responsible and supported the decision to impose a provisional suspension.

However, this does not mean the investigation has concluded. UEFA’s inquiry into the incident that occurred during the match between Benfica and Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz continues to progress. There are precedents for similar cases in UEFA competitions: in 2021, a comparable racist incident took place in a match between Slavia Prague and Rangers, involving almost identical conduct. On that occasion, Slavia player Ondřej Kúdela was first handed a one-match provisional ban, and later received an additional 10-match suspension following a confrontation with Glen Kamara.

On Sunday local time, Cadena SER further revealed UEFA’s stance on the latest incident. In UEFA’s view, the encounter between Vinícius and Prestianni in the players’ tunnel before the match constituted an “undesirable scene”. Furthermore, any appearance by Prestianni on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu will be subject to close scrutiny by UEFA. Discussions within UEFA regarding their encounter have been widespread, with sources stating that the scene sets a negative example for football and risks damaging the sport’s global image.

At the same time, UEFA has expressed concern over the potential situation Prestianni could face if he plays. The provisional suspension also allows UEFA to avoid accusations of inaction amid criticism following FIFA President Infantino’s public condemnation of racism.

On the other hand, Benfica has expressed dissatisfaction with the provisional suspension. Although the club is aware that the chances of a successful appeal are extremely low, it has nevertheless filed an official appeal.

However, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Prestianni will still travel with the squad to Madrid. Despite his provisional suspension, he is expected to join his teammates in training at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, meaning he could take part in a full training session at the stadium.

Per the schedule, Benfica is expected to arrive at Barajas Airport at around 13:00 local time. Several hours later, at 16:15, the team will hold a press conference led by an assistant coach – head coach José Mourinho was sent off in the first leg at the Estádio da Luz. At 17:00, Benfica will hold their final pre-match training session ahead of the second leg of their Champions League knockout round play-off.