Benfica have lashed out at what they perceive to be a campaign of “defamation” against forward Gianluca Prestianni after the Argentine was accused of using a racist slur against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
The incident occurred last night during the Champions League play-off, first leg between the sides in Lisbon. UEFA has already announced it will investigate.
Vinicius Jr has alleged Prestianni called him a “monkey” in the immediate aftermath of the Brazil international putting the visitors ahead with a stunning strike six minutes into the second half.
The referee halted the game for around eight minutes while Vinicius articulated his case but the player was persuaded to continue the game.
Prestianni held his shirt over his mouth while making the alleged remark and has denied any wrong doing, telling his accusers to “stop inventing things”.
Benfica and Mourinho stand by Prestianni
Benfica backed their man after the game – even posting a video on social media in which they attempt to prove no other Madrid player could have heard what Prestianni is alleged to have said – while boss Jose Mourinho suggested Vinicius Jr had incited the home crowd with his celebrations following the goal.
The Portuguese club confirmed their stance today with a strongly worded statement in which it turned on the player’s critics and used Mozambique-born Eusebio to demonstrate why they are against all forms of racism.
The statement read: “Benfica faces with a total spirit of collaboration, transparency, openness and a sense of clarification the steps announced today by UEFA, following the alleged case of racism that occurred in the game against Real Madrid.
“The club reaffirms, in a clear and unequivocal way, its historical and uncompromising commitment to the defense of the values of equality, respect and inclusion, which meet the matrix values of its foundation and which have in Eusébio its greatest symbol.
“Benfica also reiterates that it supports and fully believes in the version presented by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose 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 club regrets the defamation campaign of which the player has been a victim.”
Former Benfica captain defends Vinicius and says he’s ‘ashamed’
Despite Benfica’s insistence of no wrongdoing, the club’s former captain Luisao stood firmly alongside his Brazilian compatriot.
The 45-year-old, who made over 300 appearances for Benfica and won 44 caps for his country, wrote on social media: “This shirt is very big, I love Benfica, it’s my second skin. You have to be worthy to wear the sacred mantle. This incident gets worse because it’s a lie… football is won in the race, in the fight… It was a racist act, yes and I’m ashamed of it.”