European football’s governing body has provisionally suspended Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni for one match following an alleged racist incident involving Real Madrid winger Vinicius during their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff first leg in Portugal.
The decision was announced after Vinicius accused the Argentine youngster of directing a racial slur at him during the encounter. An inspector from UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission imposed the provisional suspension under Article 14 of its disciplinary regulations, which addresses discriminatory behaviour.
As a result, Prestianni will miss the return leg at Real Madrid this week while investigations into the allegation continue.
Real Madrid currently hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, courtesy of Vinicius’ decisive strike. Further disciplinary action could follow depending on the outcome of UEFA’s ongoing probe.
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