Benfica president Rui Costa has insisted Gianluca Prestianni “is not racist” and he would not be allowed to represent the club if this were the case.
On Monday, Prestianni, 20, was provisionally suspended for one game “without prejudice” while UEFA investigates allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior — which Prestianni denies — in the Champions League, with Benfica’s appeal against the provisional ban dismissed.
Speaking to reporters about the alleged incident for the first time before the second leg of the tie today, Costa repeatedly said Prestianni “is not racist,” and that he “deserves” the club’s trust after “being crucified” following the incident.
In quotes carried by Portuguese outlet A Bola, Costa said: “Benfica will stand by Prestianni. Not just because he’s our player…
“Prestianni is not racist, he is being condemned for racism when he is not racist. And therefore, for that very reason, he deserves our support.”
“I guarantee that he is not a racist player, otherwise he wouldn’t represent Benfica,” Costa added.