Gianluca Prestianni is slated to be absent from tomorrow evening’s fixture against Real Madrid, much to the chagrin of Benfica’s president, Rui Costa
Benfica president Rui Costa has termed UEFA’s verdict to suspend Gianluca Prestianni from tomorrow’s contest with Real Madrid as “unfair”.
Yesterday, UEFA revealed that the Argentine player received a temporary ban for one match, awaiting a more thorough inquiry into claims he directed racial insults at Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during the initial leg of the Champions League qualifying round last week.
Prestianni has consistently asserted his blamelessness – causing Benfica to challenge the verdict yesterday – and Costa considers the decision to lack equity.
Addressing reporters at the airport before their departure to Spain for the reverse fixture, the erstwhile Portuguese international stated: “This situation is unfolding amidst our preparations, and we are prevented from deploying Prestianni. We comprehend that no evidence has been established, and the player’s unavailability for this match is inequitable.
“I was not present on the pitch to be aware of the exact utterances. In circumstances like these, many comments are exchanged. Our trust lies in the statement of our player; beyond that, it is understanding the character of our squad members. Prestianni is being labeled a bigot, but he is the antithesis of a racist. I can vouch for it.
“I comment seven days following the occurrence, and it’s straightforward to elucidate. We apprised our supporters of all the steps taken, we stood by the player when it was necessary, and it did not warrant the president making daily pronouncements.
“The definitive penalty has yet to be issued; there’s an interim ban, but it was futile to discuss daily a subject under review. We awaited the conclusion of the proceedings.”
Benfica Outraged that Madrid’s Valverde Went Unpunished for Dahl Altercation
Costa also underscored Benfica’s vexation that Madrid’s Federico Valverde had not been disciplined by UEFA for what they perceive as a strike aimed at Samuel Dahl during a fiery opening fixture in Lisbon.
Benfica referred the issue to UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee, seeking post-event measures, but the Uruguay midfielder was exonerated and is expected to participate tomorrow evening.
Costa declared: “One issue does not negate the other, and we do not wish to utilize the other incident to invalidate the Prestianni case, but we cannot disregard the events that transpired in the match played at home. There was an evident act of aggression from Valverde, who ought to be excluded from this match.”
Benfica’s Conviction is ‘Unwavering’
Vinicius Jr netted the sole goal at the Estadio Da Luz, giving Madrid a possibly crucial lead before the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Costa was eager to point out that Benfica had previously defeated Madrid earlier this campaign – 4-2 in the concluding match of the group stage – and affirmed that the team’s confidence was “indomitable”.
“It is superfluous to emphasize the level of challenge this game presents,” he remarked. “Overturning the deficit at the Bernabéu is an extremely demanding task, but our resolve and conviction remain steadfast.
“We’ve already experienced success in this scenario this year. Let’s approach this match with all our capabilities, aiming to fulfill our objective.”
Benfica will be without manager Jose Mourinho in the technical area tomorrow. The erstwhile Madrid manager was dismissed during the previous week’s fixture and will complete a single-match ban.