Benfica defy UEFA as Gianluca Prestianni travels to Real Madrid despite ban for alleged racism

Yet the Portuguese club has made clear its intention to stand by the player.

Supporters gathered at Lisbon airport greeted Prestianni with a standing ovation as the squad departed, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.

Whether the suspended player will be permitted to sit on the bench or forced into the stands remains uncertain, with potential security implications also under consideration.

Benfica president Rui Costa addressed journalists at the airport before departure, mounting a robust defence of his player.

"Benfica stand united behind Prestianni. He is our player, but our support goes beyond that. Prestianni is not a racist, yet he is being punished as if he were one. For that reason, he deserves our full backing," Costa declared.

The club chief maintained that the suspension lacked justification given the ongoing nature of the investigation.

"Nothing is proven and the player's absence from this game is not justified," he stated. "I wasn't on the pitch to know what was said or wasn't said. What I can say is that I believe in my player."

Costa confirmed Benfica would lodge an appeal against UEFA's ruling, though acknowledged the timing made any reversal before Wednesday's fixture improbable.

The incident occurred during the second half of Real Madrid's 1-0 victory in Lisbon on 17 February, shortly after Vinicius had netted the winning goal.

Referee François Letexier halted proceedings and crossed his arms to indicate activation of the anti-racism protocol.

Play resumed approximately ten minutes later following discussions between Vinicius, his teammates, and the Benfica bench, including manager José Mourinho.

French striker Kylian Mbappe subsequently alleged he heard Prestianni call Vinicius a "monkey" on five separate occasions.

Prestianni has strenuously denied the accusations, claiming Vinicius "misinterpreted what he thought he heard".

The Argentine has provided evidence to UEFA investigators, reportedly asserting that he had covered his mouth with his shirt to direct a homophobic insult rather than a racial slur.

UEFA's disciplinary body announced the provisional suspension on Monday, citing a prima facie violation of Article 14 of its Disciplinary Regulations concerning discriminatory behaviour.

The governing body emphasised the measure was "without prejudice to any ruling" that may follow once the full investigation concludes.

Should investigators determine Prestianni guilty of racially abusing Vinicius, the Argentine could face a ban extending to ten matches.

Benfica expressed regret at losing their player whilst proceedings remain incomplete, whilst simultaneously reaffirming the club's "unwavering commitment to combating all forms of racism and discrimination".

The Portuguese giants invoked their historical identity in their defence, referencing club legend Eusebio and the work of the Benfica Foundation as evidence of their anti-discrimination credentials.