Prestianni Claims Benfica Suspended Him Without Evidence

Gianluca Prestianni, a Benfica winger, has publicly denied that he used a racist slur against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during a Champions League playoff. He says the accusation was unfounded, that he was suspended without evidence, and that the incident has taken a heavy emotional toll on him and his family.

Prestianni explained that cultural differences may have led to a misunderstanding of the words exchanged on the pitch, noting that certain insults common in Argentina are not intended as racial slurs. He stresses that he is now trying to move forward and hopes the situation will be resolved fairly.