Gianluca Prestianni, the young winger of SL Benfica, has been handed a six-match suspension by UEFA following offensive remarks directed at Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during a Champions League play-off in Lisbon.
Benfica confirmed the sanction in an official statement, noting that the punishment relates to the use of homophobic language during the match.
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica announces that it has been notified by UEFA of the sanction imposed on player Prestianni for the use of homophobic language during the Benfica-Real Madrid match.
“Prestianni has been suspended for six matches, with three of those suspended for a period of two years. Of the three matches he must serve, one has already been completed, and the remaining two must be served in UEFA matches or with the Argentina national team in FIFA competitions.”
The decision means Prestianni will serve part of the ban immediately, while the suspended portion will only be activated if further violations occur within the specified period.
