Portuguese giants Benfica have accused unnamed parties of waging a “defamation campaign” against winger Gianluca Prestianni after UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings into allegations he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during Tuesday night’s Champions League clash.
The match at the Estadio da Luz was suspended for 10 minutes in the second half after Vinicius approached French referee Francois Letexier to report alleged racist abuse.
The Brazil international and his team-mates briefly left the pitch before play eventually resumed.
Vinicius, who has endured several high-profile incidents of racist abuse during his career in Spain, later took to Instagram, writing: “Racists are, above all, cowards.”
Prestianni has strongly denied directing any racial insult at the Real Madrid winger. Under UEFA regulations, a player found guilty of racist conduct faces a minimum 10-match ban in European competition.
In a robust statement posted on their official 𝕏 account on Wednesday, Benfica defended the 18-year-old and shared video footage of the alleged incident.
“Given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard,” the club said.
Benfica added that they “fully support” Prestianni and stand by his account of events.
“[Prestianni’s] conduct in the service of the club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions and the principles that define Benfica’s identity,” the statement continued. “The club regrets the defamation campaign of which the player has been a victim.”
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, speaking after the match, revealed he had received differing versions of events from the two players involved.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, also suggested Vinicius had been disrespectful in his goal celebration.
The club further sought to highlight its long-standing commitment to equality, invoking the legacy of legendary striker Eusebio.
“The club reaffirms, clearly and unequivocally, its historical and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality, respect and inclusion, which are in line with the core values of its foundation and have Eusebio as their greatest symbol,” Benfica said.
However, the tone of Benfica’s response and Mourinho’s comments have drawn criticism from anti-discrimination campaigners.
Sanjay Bhandari, chair of Kick It Out, said both the club and manager had “failed” in their reaction.
“It’s a natural inclination to want to believe your player, but the reality is they didn’t hear it,” Bhandari told BBC Sport.
“There are only two people who are in that conversation, and two people who could have heard what was said.
“I think the better reaction from a club with Benfica’s fantastic stature would be to say we’re going to cooperate with the investigation.
“This is quite typical after these kinds of discriminatory events. The discrimination is one thing, gaslighting is another.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also weighed in, saying he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident and praising the referee Letexier for activating the established anti-racism protocol.
“There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society, we need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account,” he said.
“I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism, no to any form of discrimination!”
