The scandal in the Champions League continues! Prestianni risks a long ban after clash with Vinicius

Context:

• The incident happened after Vinicius scored and celebrated in front of the Lusitanian supporters. The Brazilian was warned for the gesture considered provocative, and immediately the spirits heated up.

• Prestianni allegedly covered his mouth with his shirt while insulting the Brazilian. Vinicius went straight to referee Francois Letexier and the centre-back activated UEFA's anti-racism protocol by making the 'X' sign with his arms. The game was stopped for about 10 minutes.

What Prestianni stated before the investigators

Initially, the Argentine denied that he had used a racist term. Later, according to ESPN, he would have admitted before the UEFA commission that he used a homophobic term, not a racial one.

In turn, Vinicius publicly labeled him a “coward” and his teammates claimed to have heard repeated insults.

Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius

What does the Benfica player risk?

According to UEFA's disciplinary regulations, using racist or discriminatory language can lead to:

• suspension of at least 10 matches in UEFA competitions

• additional financial penalties

• possible extended disciplinary measures depending on the severity

Any entity or person subject to these regulations who violates the human dignity of an individual or group of individuals for any reason, including skin color, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, will be sanctioned with a SUSPENSION of at least ten matches or for a specified period of time, or with any other appropriate sanction.

– it is shown in the regulation.

Even if the final charge is framed as discriminatory (non-racial) language, the penalty can be severe, multi-tiered, depending on the findings of the investigation.

UEFA has officially opened an investigation, and Real Madrid said it had made available to the European forum “all available evidence”. The final decision is expected in the coming period, and Prestianni risks missing the rest of the European season if found guilty.