Benfica has issued an official denial regarding reports that player Prestianni made racist remarks toward Vinicius Jr., asserting that the player is not racist and had previously apologized to his teammates.
Benfica has “categorically denied” reports that player Prestianni told teammates he directed a racist insult toward Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. during their recent Champions League encounter.
The club clarified that while an incident did occur, the player immediately apologized to his squad. Prestianni expressed regret regarding the “amplitude and consequences of this” event, while maintaining his position that “he is not racist.”
The official communiqué aims to quell mounting speculation surrounding the altercation between the two players.
By emphasizing the player’s swift apology and his firm stance against discrimination, Benfica seeks to distance its structure from the accusations.
The club maintains that the character of its athlete is being misrepresented, framing the situation as a regrettable misunderstanding rather than a deliberate act of racial animus.