LISBON (Azat TV) – Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has broken his silence following a contentious UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid, vehemently denying allegations of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior. The incident, which occurred during their clash at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, has escalated into a major controversy, with Prestianni not only refuting the claims but also alleging he received threats from Real Madrid players.
The heated exchange unfolded after Vinícius Júnior scored the first goal of the game, prompting him to report alleged racial abuse to the referee. At the time of the incident, Prestianni, a 20-year-old Argentine international, was seen covering his mouth with his shirt, making it difficult to ascertain the exact words exchanged. This lack of clear visual evidence, however, did not prevent intense media scrutiny and widespread condemnation.
Prestianni Denies Racial Abuse Allegations
Hours after the match, Gianluca Prestianni took to Instagram to issue a statement, clarifying his position. “I want to make it clear that at no point did I direct racist insults at player Vinícius Júnior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he believes he heard,” Prestianni wrote. He maintained his innocence, asserting that he has “never been racist toward anyone.”
In the same statement, Prestianni also revealed another layer to the post-match fallout. He expressed regret over “the threats I received from Real Madrid players,” indicating that the animosity extended beyond the initial on-field incident. This counter-allegation has further complicated a situation already fraught with tension and conflicting accounts.
Real Madrid Stars Rally Behind Vinícius Jr.
The incident immediately drew strong reactions from the Real Madrid camp, with several high-profile players publicly backing Vinícius Júnior. Midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and defender Trent Alexander-Arnold were among those who voiced their support. French superstar Kylian Mbappé was particularly outspoken, stating that Prestianni “does not deserve to be playing in the Champions League” and expressing hope for “proper sanctions” against the Benfica player.
Vinícius Júnior himself later addressed the incident, describing Prestianni as a “coward” in a separate statement. The unified front from Real Madrid players underscored the seriousness with which they perceived the alleged abuse and their commitment to combating racism in football.
Benfica Defends Prestianni Amidst Controversy
In contrast to Real Madrid’s strong condemnation, Benfica adopted a more cautious, yet ultimately supportive, stance toward Prestianni. Initially, the club dismissed reports of a physical confrontation between its president and a Real Madrid representative. However, shortly after Prestianni released his statement, Benfica publicly backed their player, posting a message that read: “Together, by your side.”
Benfica not only reposted Prestianni’s denial but also challenged the claims made by Real Madrid players. The club released a statement asserting, “As the images show, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they are saying they heard,” attaching a video clip of the moment in question. Benfica coach José Mourinho also weighed in, declining to take sides on the racial allegations. “I’ve spoken with both of them, Vinícius Júnior tells me one thing and Gianluca Prestianni tells me another,” Mourinho stated, emphasizing his inability to definitively confirm either account.
UEFA Champions League Incident Unresolved
The incident has left a significant cloud over the UEFA Champions League fixture, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing racial abuse in professional football. With conflicting accounts and strong backing from both clubs for their respective players, the situation remains far from resolved. UEFA has yet to issue a definitive statement regarding potential investigations or sanctions, leaving the football community awaiting further developments.
The conflicting narratives surrounding the alleged racist comment by Gianluca Prestianni and the subsequent claims of threats underscore the complex and often unverified nature of such incidents in high-stakes football matches. This episode not only highlights the persistent issue of racism but also exposes the challenges faced by authorities and clubs in mediating disputes where definitive evidence is scarce, often leading to polarized public opinion and prolonged controversy.