UEFA opens investigation into Vinicius Jr racism allegations, Gianluca Prestianni likely available for second leg

UEFA has opened an investigation into Vinicius Junior’s allegations of racist abuse but Gianluca Prestianni, the player accused, is likely to be available to play in next week’s second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Bernabeu.

The incident saw Tuesday’s first leg of the Champions League knockout playoffs stopped for eight minutes after the implementation of FIFA’s anti-racism protocol by match referee Francois Letexier.

European football’s governing body has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector, given the case is so high profile, to gather evidence from speaking to those involved.

Sources with knowledge of the process do not expect a swift resolution with the investigation likely to stretch into weeks rather than days.

With the second leg set for next Wednesday, Prestianni, who denies the allegations, is likely to be available for selection.

A similar incident of this nature back in 2021 involved Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela, who was banned for 10 matches for racist behaviour, which he denied, towards Rangers’ Glen Kamara in a Europa League tie. The suspension wasn’t handed down until a month after the incident.

Ten games is UEFA’s minimum length of suspension for racist conduct, and their guidelines state that such disciplinary sanctions should be accompanied by awareness programs run by the club.

The incident between Vinicius Jr and Prestianni occurred after the Madrid player scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute. After celebrating in front of the home fans, Vinicius Jr ran over to referee Francois Letexier and appeared to point towards Prestianni.

Letexier appeared to make FIFA’s ‘No Racism Gesture’ by crossing his arms in an X shape above his head and the game was paused. This is the first of a three-step racism procedure which, in extreme cases, can lead to the game being postponed.

The forward later denied the allegations in an Instagram post, saying that “at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard”. Benfica later released a statement on the club’s website outlining its “historical and unwavering commitment to defending the values ​​of equality, respect, and inclusion” and that it “fully supports and believes in the version presented by the player Gianluca Prestianni”.

Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe said after the match that he heard Prestianni “say that Vinicius is a monkey, five times”.

Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho suggested after the match that Vinicius Jr had incited the incident, also referencing the home side’s legend Eusebio, who is Black. The reference to the forward’s celebration and the Portuguese club’s history was condemned on Wednesday by anti-racism charity Kick it Out who said on social media that it was “a form of gaslighting” and “sends the wrong message”.

Benfica then released a statement on their website in support of Prestianni and their “commitment to defending the values ​​of equality, respect, and inclusion”, while also referencing Eusebio.

Click here to read article