sports

Benfica Winger Denies Racist Allegation, Claims Unjust Suspension

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni denies accusations of calling Vinicius Jr. a ‘monkey’, saying he was suspended without evidence after the Champions League playoff.

Prestianni, who was suspended for the second leg of the Benfica‑Real Madrid tie, said he never used the alleged slur and that the claim was unfounded. He added that the punishment came without any concrete evidence.

The player explained that cultural differences may have led to misunderstandings and that he is now focusing on moving forward, noting the emotional toll on his family. He said the incident was a mistake and that he hopes the truth will be recognized.