Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni asserted on Wednesday that he has faced punishment “without evidence” in connection with allegations of racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
The 20-year-old Argentinian was accused of hurling a racist insult at the Brazilian during a match in February, during which he covered his mouth with his shirt.
Following the incident, the referee paused the game for a duration of 10 minutes, and UEFA subsequently suspended Prestianni for the second leg while launching an investigation.
If UEFA determines that he did abuse Vinicius, he may face a ban of at least 10 matches.
Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League last 16 with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
In an interview with Argentine outlet Telefe, Prestianni expressed that missing the second leg in Madrid “hurt a lot” and denied the allegations against him.
“I was reflecting on my father, my mother, my grandparents, and the fact that so many things were being said that don’t represent who I am; that never took place,” he stated during his first interview post-incident.
“It’s distressing and really painful.”
He voiced his gratitude towards his club and teammates for their support, also praising his coach, Jose Mourinho, as “a phenomenon.”
Mourinho faced criticism for seemingly suggesting that Vinicius instigated the alleged abuse with his goal celebration from the first leg.
However, the Benfica coach later clarified his stance, promising that if the investigation confirmed the racism accusations, Prestianni would not play for him again.
Recently, Prestianni received a call-up to represent Argentina in friendly matches held over the past week.
“I put in the hard work day in and day out to earn this chance,” the winger commented, admitting that his biggest dream is to participate in a World Cup with the Albiceleste.
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
