Gianluca Prestianni: Benfica star challenges Vinicius and Real Madrid players' accusations
- Gianluca Prestianni has publicly denied making any racist remark toward Vinícius Júnior following the Champions League clash
- Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica was overshadowed by the controversy, which led to a 10-minute stoppage
- Benfica released an alternative camera angle, disputing claims made by Kylian Mbappé that he heard the alleged comment
After hours of conflicting accounts and widespread debate over the incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior, the Argentine youngster has broken his silence on social media to defend himself.
Real Madrid claimed a 1-0 win over Benfica at Estádio da Luz thanks to a brilliant Vinícius strike that curled into the top corner.
Source: Twitter
But the goal was followed by tense scenes, as his customary dance celebration angered sections of the home crowd.
The situation escalated when Vinícius appeared disturbed by an alleged remark from Prestianni, who was seen speaking while covering his mouth with his shirt. The Brazilian briefly left the pitch, prompting a 10-minute suspension of play before the match resumed. Although the game was completed, the controversy quickly overshadowed the result.
Prestianni responds with Benfica’s backing
Using his X account, Prestianni addressed the accusations made by Real Madrid players and circulating among the public.
Supported by Benfica as an institution, the 20-year-old offered his version of events, firmly denying any racist comment and rejecting what he described as false allegations.
“If they claim so strongly that I supposedly made a racist comment to Vinícius Jr., why didn’t anyone react? Accusing someone of something so serious isn’t right, especially when it’s not true. And everyone pointing fingers at me just for covering my mouth with my shirt, when everyone knows players cover their mouths to talk. Stop making things up,” Prestianni wrote, quoting a video shared by Benfica’s official account.
Shortly before his statement, Benfica released footage from an alternative camera angle which, according to the club, shows that no Real Madrid player was close enough to hear the exchange.
The implication challenges the post-match claim made by Kylian Mbappé, who stated after the Champions League fixture that he heard Prestianni direct the word “mono” (“monkey”) five times toward Vinícius.
Watch Benfica's video below:
Source: YEN.com.gh
