The European Football Association (UEFA) has announced the temporary suspension of Argentina’s Gianluca Pristiani. pending the completion of an ongoing investigation into allegations of directing racist insults towards Brazilian national Vinicius Junior.
According to the decision, the Benfica player will be unable to take part in the match scheduled for Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, but the European Commission confirmed that the file is still under review and a final ruling has not yet been issued.
Meanwhile, Benfica acted quickly and formally announced their intention to appeal the suspension decision. A statement from the club said:
“The club regrets that the player’s services have been taken away while the proceedings are still under investigation and will appeal against the European Union’s decision.”
The move comes in response to growing sensitivity over the issue of racism in stadiums across Europe, and the interim decision is a precautionary measure pending the outcome of a final investigation.
European football association UEFA has suspended Argentinean Gianluca Prestiani, who is suspected of directing a racist attack on Brazilian player Vinicius Junior, pending the completion of an ongoing investigation.
The decision means the Benfica player will miss Wednesday’s match at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, but the European body confirmed that the matter is still being heard and a final verdict has not yet been issued.
Meanwhile, Benfica moved quickly to officially announce their intention to appeal the suspension. A club statement read:
“The club regrets that the player’s services have been stripped while the proceedings are still under investigation and will appeal against UEFA’s decision.”
The move comes amid heightened sensitivity over racism in stadiums across Europe, and the interim decision is a precautionary measure pending the outcome of a final investigation.
