UEFA has banned Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for six matches following a disciplinary incident during the Champions League clash against Real Madrid in February. The 20-year-old Argentine received the sanction for "discriminatory (i.e. homophobic) conduct", with three matches suspended for two years under probation. Prestianni had already served one match of the ban during the second leg of the play-off against Real Madrid, after being provisionally suspended following the first leg on February 17. That match was delayed for 10 minutes after Madrid forward Vinicius Junior accused Prestianni of discriminatory language during a heated exchange.
Prestianni denied using racist language, but Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni stated after the game that Prestianni admitted to him he had used a homophobic slur, not a racial slur. UEFA confirmed it has requested FIFA to enforce the suspension globally. The governing body did not disclose further details about the investigation or evidence beyond its official statement. Benfica has not issued a public response to the decision.
Prestianni claims he didn't use a racial slur, yet admits to using a homophobic one—UEFA's ban confirms the distinction matters little in conduct that dehumanises opponents. Nigerian players in European leagues now face heightened scrutiny as global football enforces stricter penalties for discriminatory behaviour. Any lapse in conduct, whether racial or homophobic, could derail careers regardless of intent. The case sets a precedent where explanations after the fact carry no weight once the damage is done.
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