Benfica claim there is a "defamation campaign" against Gianluca Prestianni after Uefa launched an investigation into claims he racially abused Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.Tuesday's Champions League tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius reported alleged racist abuse to referee Francois Letexier and he and his team-mates left the field. Brazil international Vinicius, who has been a victim of numerous incidents of racist abuse during his playing career, later said in a post on Instagram: "Racists are, above all, cowards." Prestianni, who could face a minimum 10-match ban from European competition if found guilty, denied directing racial abuse at Vinicius. The club added they "fully support" and believe the version of events presented by Prestianni. "The club regrets the defamation campaign of which the player has been a victim."

Source: BBC February 18, 2026 16:49 UTC