The Argentine felt pained by being absent from the reverse fixture.
Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica has reproached UEFA for suspending him over alleged racist abuse directed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, contending the ban was issued “devoid of evidence”.
Prestianni received a temporary single-match prohibition due to an apparent breach of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, pertaining to discriminatory conduct.
This stemmed from an occurrence where he was charged with uttering racially offensive remarks at Vinicius, subsequent to Vinicius putting Madrid ahead in the opening match of their Champions League play-off encounter with Benfica at Estadio da Luz in February.
The match was halted for an eight-minute duration after Vinicius departed the pitch, having registered his grievance with the official.
Benfica’s Prestianni ‘pained’ by prohibition for Real Madrid return fixture
Benfica contested Prestianni’s suspension, but it was rejected by UEFA; consequently, he was absent from a return fixture that Madrid won 2-1 to secure an overall 3-1 triumph. UEFA’s inquiry into the occurrence continues.
“I have never held racist views, nor will I ever. The most distressing aspect for me was to be implicated in an act I did not commit,” Prestianni conveyed to Telefe.
“They were remarks I did not utter, yet they penalized me without corroboration.
“I was deeply pained by my inability to participate in the subsequent match. However, it is now concluded.”
Benfica offered their unequivocal backing to Prestianni, conveying their conviction that the Argentina international was the target of a “defamation effort”.
“I’m immensely thankful to my club, which had faith in me and provided comprehensive assistance,” Prestianni further stated.
“Both the club and my team-mates demonstrated that [encouragement] privately. [Benfica coach Jose] Mourinho is a remarkable individual. I conversed with him and my colleagues to elucidate matters.
“I am at ease knowing that those who know me understand my character, and that suffices for me.”
Prestianni targeting World Cup
Benfica still possess a slim possibility of clinching the Primeira Liga. Mourinho’s squad trails frontrunners Porto by seven points with seven fixtures left.
For Prestianni, who was included in the roster but did not participate for Argentina in the most recent series of international matches, the objective is currently to obtain a spot in the reigning global titleholders’ contingent for this summer’s World Cup in North America.
“I aspire to participate in the World Cup,” he further mentioned. “That is my daily endeavor, to gain that chance.
“It’s a privilege to be with this team contending for a position. I believe I’m performing quite capably at Benfica.”