Gianluca Prestianní of Benfica, accused of making racist remarks toward Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff, has received a provisional suspension.
According to BBC on Feb. 23, UEFA has imposed a one-match provisional suspension on Prestianní pending completion of a full investigation by disciplinary inspectors.
UEFA determined that available evidence established a prima facie violation, warranting preemptive disciplinary action.
The governing body will decide on additional sanctions once the detailed investigation concludes.
The suspension bars Prestianní from the second leg of the UCL knockout round playoff.
The alleged incident occurred during the first leg against Real Madrid on Feb. 17.
The controversy erupted in the 50th minute after Vinícius scored with a spectacular right-footed shot. He ran to the corner flag and performed a hip-swaying celebration, drawing a yellow card from the referee.
A confrontation then ensued between Vinícius and Prestianní, halting play for 11 minutes amid racism allegations.
After the match, Real Madrid players testified that Prestianní had cunningly uttered racist remarks while covering his mouth with his jersey, corroborating Vinícius's claims.
Prestianní has denied all allegations. "I never made racist insults toward Vinícius. Unfortunately, it seems he misheard and misunderstood," he said.
Benfica expressed regret over the suspension while an investigation is ongoing and announced plans to appeal immediately.