Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a six-match ban by UEFA for homophobic comments aimed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during their Champions League meeting.
The clash was halted in February when Vinicius Jr alerted the referee to an alleged racist comment, and although it was later reported he had called the winger a racist, Prestianni denied this and later admitted the racist comment was homophobic.
The six-match ban has been confirmed, with two matches to be served immediately and the remaining three deferred for a period of two years. UEFA has requested that FIFA extend this ban worldwide.
The argument of homophobia not being punished adequately compared to racism continues, as a racist offender is normally served a minimum ten-match ban.
Benfica had initially released a statement in support of their player; however, after the clash, it was Vinicius Jr who stepped out to express his disappointment with the abuse in football and the penalty given.
A discussion regarding stricter rules, including those on covering mouths during a dispute, has since ensued, and this could affect Prestianni’s club campaign and his country, Argentina.
