UEFA suspends Benfica's Prestianni for homophobic conduct in Real Madrid game
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April 24 : Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was handed a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct that was deemed homophobic in a Champions League match against Real Madrid, UEFA announced on Friday.
Prestianni will effectively be banned for two more matches after UEFA said that a further three-match suspension would be "subject to a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of the present decision." He has already served a one-match provisional suspension.
The Argentine winger was accused of directing a slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during the Spanish side's 1-0 Champions League playoff first-leg win in February.
The first leg was suspended for 11 minutes shortly after Vinicius gave Real the lead early in the second half.
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Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt repeatedly before making comments that Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted as a racial slur against the 25-year-old.
Prestianni had denied the accusation that he had made a racist comment, saying Vinicius misheard him. Real's Aurelien Tchouameni said the Argentine told him he did not call Vinicius a "monkey" but directed a homophobic comment at him.
UEFA also said they would request FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide.
The suspension also includes the one-match provisional suspension Prestianni served during the second leg of their knockout playoff on February 25, which Real Madrid won 2-1 to advance.
Benfica said they had been notified about the sanction imposed on Prestianni.
"Of the three-match effective ban, one has already been served and the remaining two must be served in UEFA matches or Argentina national team matches in a FIFA context," Benfica said.
Prestianni has played for Argentina only once, making his debut as a late substitute in a friendly game against Angola in November.
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