Gianluca Prestianni is facing intense scrutiny following allegations that he directed a racist remark toward Vinícius Júnior during a recent match.
Social media posts circulating shortly after the game claimed that Prestianni had called Vinícius Júnior a “monkey,” a term widely recognized as a racist slur. However, as of publication, there is no verified video or official confirmation publicly released supporting the allegation.
In a statement to Sky Sports, the UEFA addressed the situation regarding the UEFA Champions League:
“The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where matters are reported, proceedings are opened and should they lead to disciplinary sanctions being imposed, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website. We have no further information to provide you or any further comment to make on this matter at this stage.”
UEFA Statement
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé has publicly claimed that he witnessed the alleged incident. Speaking after the match, Mbappé said:
“Prestianni clearly called Vini Jr a monkey, it happened five times”.
“I saw that. UEFA have the best cameras, now we wait. This is not acceptable. It’s not my kind of human being”.
“Benfica are a top club, nothing against them… but Prestianni should NEVER play in UCL anymore”.
“Did Prestianni apologize? Did you see his face? An apology? We’re not stupid, me and Vini… we saw what he said”.
“We have to set an example for all the children who look up to us; there are things we can’t accept”.
“This player [Prestianni] is young, how can you say these things on a football pitch? Now we have to see what happens”.
“Vini Jr should dance as much as he wants and never stop”.
“No one can tell us what should we do or not do”.
Vinícius Júnior also reacted strongly to the alleged incident, stating:
“Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are”.
“But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them”.
“Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why”.
“On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose”.
“I don’t like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary”.
In response to the allegations, Prestianni issued his own statement denying the claims:
“I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard”.
“I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players”.
As investigations continue, UEFA has indicated that any disciplinary action will depend on official reports and evidence reviewed by its control bodies. At this stage, no formal sanctions have been announced.