Vinicius Junior racial abuse row deepens, Prestianni admits anti-gay insult amid UEFA probe: Report

Gianluca Prestianni has reportedly informed UEFA that he called Vinicius Junior an anti-gay slur in Spanish, and didn't refer to him as a monkey.

Published on: Feb 21, 2026, 10:27:38 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Gianluca Prestianni has reportedly provided testimony to UEFA as part of its investigation into the alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Junior during Benfica's Champions League playoff fixture against Real Madrid.

SL Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni argues with Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior. (AFP)

According to ESPN, UEFA is investigating the incident that occurred in the second half in Lisbon on Tuesday. In the second half, Vinicius scored the game's only goal, and after his celebration, he accused Prestianni of racially abusing him while covering his face with his shirt, which led to a 10-minute pause before the match resumed.

Also Read: Vinicius reports racial abuse during Madrid's 1-0 win vs Benfica, forcing referee to halt play amid on-field tensions

The 20-year-old attacker has reportedly informed UEFA that he called Vinicius an anti-gay slur in Spanish, and didn't refer to him as a monkey.

Madrid has also sent their own evidence to UEFA. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe revealed after the game that he heard the Argentine racially abuse Vinicius five times.

According to Article 14 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations, punishment for anti-gay abuse is same as a racist remark. The regulations state, "Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction."

Speaking in a news conference on Friday, Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa said, "Vini has been sad, like everyone else, and above all very angry. Obviously it's a racist act which we don't want to see happen ever again. It has no place in our sport or in society. We have a huge opportunity to make sure it doesn't happen."

"Now it's in UEFA's hands. It's time to show that it's not just talk ... It's not my place to know how UEFA should react, but I do believe there should be a sanction. We have a good opportunity to mark a turning point," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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