Racism → suspension of the game in the 'unprecedented' Champions League, but only one game is suspended... The reason is

*This content was translated by AI.

Gianluca Prestiani (20, Benfica), who was named the perpetrator of a racist incident in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), Europe's most prestigious stage, was eventually disciplined. The accusation of the victim Vinicius Junior (26, Real Madrid) was accepted, and Prestiani was not allowed to play in the second game.

British media 'BBC' reported on the 24th (Korea time) that "After Vinicius of Real Madrid reported racist abuse, Benfica's Prestiani was temporarily suspended for one game."

As a result, Argentine winger Prestiani will miss the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 play-off away from Madrid.

The disciplinary action is a provisional measure that will be maintained until the results of a formal investigation by a UEFA ethics and disciplinary investigator are released. UEFA made an unusually quick decision, saying that the evidence secured so far is sufficient to support allegations of discriminatory use of speech. UEFA added, "If the investigation is completed, additional punishment could be imposed."

The incident occurred during the first round of the last 16 playoff. Vinicius, who scored a fantastic first goal in the fifth minute of the second half, danced near the corner flag and celebrated, and in the process, the mood overheated as the referee's yellow card for throwing dirt and excessive ceremony by Benfica home fans.

Since then, there has been an unprecedented suspension of racist games. Vinicius clashed with Prestiani, and accused the referee François L'Texier of hearing racist words from him. The referee launched the first-ever racist protocol introduced by FIFA in May 2024.

The atmosphere was unusual. Vinicius and Real Madrid players left the stadium in groups protesting strongly, and there was an unprecedented suspension of the game for about 10 minutes.

Prestiani denies the allegations for now. The Benfica club also expressed its intention to appeal the disciplinary decision. Benfica said, "It is regrettable that we cannot use players at a time when the investigation is underway," but stressed, "Anti-racism is the historical identity of the club." However, according to the 'BBC' report, there is little possibility that the results of the appeal will change before the second game.

Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho was also at the center of the controversy. Mourinho was sent off during the first game and was unable to sit on the bench in the second game. At the time, Mourinho was criticized for saying after the game, "Vinícius did a rude ceremony." Mourinho will not be able to participate in the pre-match press conference due to disciplinary action.

Vinicius has suffered constant racism and death threats from Atletico Madrid and Valencia fans. Shortly after the incident, he expressed his anger through personal social networking services (SNS), saying, "Racists are cowards who have to shut their mouths to hide their weakness." The Brazilian Football Association (CBF) also immediately issued a statement and gave full support, saying, "I am proud of Vinicius for courageously activating the protocol."

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*This content was translated by AI.