LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – The Vinicius–Prestianni case, which erupted last Tuesday during the first leg of the Champions League play-off between Benfica and Real Madrid, shows no sign of fading. After a week of intense controversy, a temporary suspension has been handed to the Argentine player (for the second leg of the play-offs), who has been accused of directing racist insults at Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger.
Following various statements made in recent days, mainly by those involved in the match and by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the Benfica midfielder was suspended ahead of the return leg, as stated in an official communiqué issued by UEFA: “The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has decided to provisionally suspend Gianluca Prestianni for the next match.”
For their part, the Portuguese club released an official statement acknowledging the decision and declaring that “the club regrets being deprived of the player while the proceedings are still ongoing and will appeal this UEFA decision,” while also admitting that “it is unlikely that the relevant deadlines will have any practical effect on the Champions League play-off second leg.”
At the end of the statement, the club coached by José Mourinho once again firmly reiterated “its ongoing commitment to the fight against all forms of discrimination, in line with the values that are part of its historic identity and reflected in its daily actions.”
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
