Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni has been suspended for six European matches after Uefa found him guilty of homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. Three matches of the ban are suspended for two years, meaning Prestianni may serve only two further games after already sitting out a one-match provisional ban.
The incident occurred during the Champions League knockout playoff round first leg in Lisbon on 17 February. Vinícius alleged he was racially abused after Prestianni was seen addressing him while covering his mouth with his shirt. The Brazilian briefly left the pitch, causing a ten-minute stoppage. Uefa subsequently appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator.
Uefa’s investigation concluded that Prestianni’s conduct was homophobic rather than racist, an offence that typically carries a ten-match ban under Article 14 of Uefa’s disciplinary regulations. The reduced punishment is believed to reflect Prestianni’s acceptance of guilt. The control, ethics and disciplinary body has yet to publish its full reasoning.
Uefa has announced it will ask Fifa to extend the suspension to include international matches. If granted, the Argentina international would miss the first two games of the World Cup. Fifa president Gianni Infantino previously stated that any player who covers his mouth to speak to an opponent should be sent off if the remark has a racist consequence.
The case is expected to prompt a rule change. The International Football Association Board will meet in Canada next week to further consider how to handle players who cover their mouths during confrontations, potentially leading to automatic red cards.
