Gianluca Prestianni banned by Uefa after Vinicius Jr clash

Football
24 Apr 2026 • 9:14 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Gianluca Prestianni banned by Uefa after Vinicius Jr clash

  • Gianluca Prestianni has been issued a six-game ban by Uefa for "homophobic" conduct, with three of those matches suspended and one already served.
  • The disciplinary action follows an incident in February during a Champions League match where Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr alleged Prestianni racially abused him.
  • Uefa initiated an investigation into "discriminatory behaviour" after Vinicius Jr's accusation.
  • Prestianni has maintained his innocence, denying the charge of using racist language.
  • He was suspended from playing in the return leg of the Champions League play-off two months prior to Friday’s ruling.

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