Gianluca Prestianni insists on innocence in Vinicius racism accusation

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has denied racially abusing Vinicius Junior, claiming his insults were homophobic rather than racist while arguing such language is culturally commonplace in Argentina.

​Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has maintained his innocence regarding allegations of racial abuse toward Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

While UEFA investigates the “monkey” slur claim—backed by Kylian Mbappe—Prestianni insists he was “punished for something I didn’t say.”

He argues the evidence is insufficient, noting: “I’m very calm because everyone who knows me knows what kind of person I am and that’s enough for me.”

​Addressing separate accusations of homophobia, the winger sparked further controversy by claiming such language is standard in his home country.

He stated: “For us Argentinians, words like ‘maricon’ or ‘cagón’ are common insults.” Despite his defense, Prestianni faces a potential ten-game UEFA ban.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has since challenged authorities to take firm action, as the investigation into the Champions League incident continues.