Gianluca Prestianni Denies Racism Allegation against Vinicius Junior in UEFA Champions League Match.

By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa

Gianluca Prestianni has strongly denied accusations made by Vinícius Júnior that he directed racist abuse toward him during Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League playoff first leg in Lisbon.

The incident occurred shortly after Vinícius put Real Madrid ahead. Before play resumed, the Brazilian forward alerted the referee and activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, alleging that the SL Benfica winger had repeatedly called him “monkey.”

In a statement posted on Instagram later that evening, Prestianni categorically rejected the claim.

> “I want to make it clear that at no point did I use racist insults toward Vinícius Júnior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he thinks he heard. I have never been racist toward anyone. I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players,” he wrote.

The 18-year-old later expanded on his defense on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the basis of the accusation.

> “If they’re so sure I made a racist comment, why didn’t anyone react immediately? Accusing someone of something so serious isn’t right, especially when it’s not true. People are pointing fingers because I covered my mouth with my jersey, when every player does that. Stop trying to invent things.”

Benfica moved swiftly to support its player. The Portuguese club reposted Prestianni’s statement with the message: “Together, by your side.”

Shortly afterward, Benfica published a video on its official X account which it claims contradicts Vinícius’ version of events. According to the club, the footage shows that the physical distance between Prestianni and the Real Madrid players made it “impossible” for them to have heard the alleged remark.

UEFA is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.