UEFA issues six-match suspension to Prestianni for 'homophobic slurs' aimed at Vinicius

UEFA has imposed a six match ban on Gianluca Prestianni for "discriminatory behaviour" in the fixture versus Real Madrid.

The governing body detailed that the matter involved "homophobic slurs" from Prestianni, who allegedly referred to Vinicius Junior as a "maricas", an offensive term.

This penalty from UEFA applies to games in European tournaments or for the Argentina national side.

"Three matches of the suspension are deferred under a two year probation starting today," UEFA clarified, noting that one fixture has already been fulfilled, namely during the return leg of the playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu.

With Benfica out of European tournaments, Prestianni will complete the other two matches with Argentina if selected for the 2026 World Cup.

Benfica released this response: "Sport Lisboa e Benfica has received notice from UEFA regarding the penalty on player Prestianni for employing homophobic terms in the Benfica Real Madrid encounter.

"Prestianni faces a six match ban, where three are on hold for two years. From the three to be played, one is done, and the other two apply to UEFA fixtures or Argentina national team games in FIFA events."