Gianluca Prestianni: Benfica’s appeal to overturn suspension denied ahead of Real Madrid clash
Gianluca Prestianni will miss Benfica’s crucial second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League after Uefa rejected Benfica’s bid to overturn his provisional suspension.
The Argentine winger received a provisional one-match ban following allegations of racist abuse toward Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during last week’s 1-0 knockout‑round playoff first leg. Benfica announced plans to appeal, though they acknowledged the chances of a reversal before Wednesday’s return at the Bernabeu were slim.
The ban was imposed on a provisional basis while an ethics and disciplinary inspector conducts a full inquiry, and further sanctions could be handed down depending on the investigation’s findings. Prestianni trained with his Benfica teammates at Real Madrid’s stadium on Tuesday in hopes of a late overturn, but Uefa’s Appeals Body upheld the initial decision, leaving the 20-year-old sidelined for the upcoming European tie.
Prestianni has consistently denied any racist conduct toward Vinicius and, in normal circumstances, would have been eligible to play while the investigation proceeds. Nevertheless, European football’s governing body determined there is sufficient evidence to support a prima facie case concerning discriminatory language used in the incident.
