Vinicius: UEFA finally bans Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni

Sport Vinicius: UEFA finally bans Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni Published on April 24, 2026 By Don Silas googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); UEFA on Friday, handed Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban following alleged racist insults directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during both sides’ UEFA Champions League play-off match in Lisbon some weeks ago. Benfica announced the news in an official statement, saying the Portuguese club received a notification from UEFA. According to the statement, Prestianni was suspended for “six matches” for the use of homophobic language during Benfica’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid in March. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); Recall that the Champions League playoff was overshadowed by several troubling incidents, most notably when Vinicius accused Prestianni of using racist slurs against him. The Champions League playoff first leg encounter was played in Lisbon, and UEFA later banned Prestianni for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Don't Miss Abia Federation Cup: Abia Warriors crash out after defeat to Ahudianynem FC You may like UEFA includes Bayern’s Olise, Arsenal’s Zubimendi, others in Champions League team UCL: ‘It’s difficult to play with Vinicius and Mbappe’ – Bellingham UCL: UEFA rules on Barcelona’s complaint over referee in Atletico Madrid defeat Mourinho gives condition to stay at Benfica UCL: UEFA drops referee for rest of season after Atletico’s win over Barcelona UCL: Barcelona file complaint to UEFA about refereeing, VAR decisions during defeat to Atletico Madrid

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/24/vinicius-uefa-finally-bans-benficas-gianluca-prestianni/