The controversy from the Benfica vs Actual Madrid Champions League conflict continues to develop after Gianluca Prestianni launched a press release addressing the accusations made by Vinicius Jr.
The Argentine teenager, who was on the centre of the storm, has denied that he directed any racist insults on the Brazilian ahead.
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The incident occurred shortly after Vinicius scored the opening purpose within the 51st minute.
Following his celebration, the Actual Madrid star approached referee Francois Letexier and reported that Prestianni had directed racist abuse in direction of him.
The French official instantly activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, resulting in an eight-minute stoppage because the state of affairs was assessed.
Throughout that interval, tensions rose on the pitch. Actual Madrid gamers gathered across the Benfica teenager, with .
Cameras captured the French ahead repeatedly confronting Prestianni and shouting, “You’re a f**king racist!”
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Prestianni’s assertion
Regardless of the seriousness of the accusation, the published photographs had been unable to supply clear proof of what was stated.
It’s because Prestianni had coated his mouth along with his shirt whereas chatting with Vinicius, making it unimaginable to learn his lips.
Gianluca Prestianni has launched a press release. (Supply: Instagram)
Within the aftermath of the sport, the Benfica participant took to social media to current his model of occasions.
He insisted that there had been a misunderstanding and denied making any racist feedback.
“I need to make clear that at no level did I direct racist insults on the participant Vinicius Junior, who sadly misinterpreted what he thinks he heard.”
He then strengthened his stance, stressing that such behaviour will not be a part of his character. “I’ve by no means been racist in direction of anybody.”
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The Argentine additionally revealed that the incident had penalties for him personally after the ultimate whistle.
In keeping with his assertion, he acquired threats from Actual Madrid gamers through the confrontation on the pitch.
Addressing that facet, he stated, “And I remorse the threats I acquired from Actual Madrid gamers.”
The state of affairs now leaves UEFA with a fragile case to evaluate. With conflicting accounts and no clear video proof of the alleged insult, the governing physique might want to determine whether or not any additional motion is important.