The tension surrounding the incident between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr. has taken another turn, with Benfica president Rui Costa stepping forward to publicly defend his player.
The row, which began during Benfica’s recent clash with Real Madrid, has already led to a one-match UEFA suspension for Prestianni following accusations of a racist comment directed at Vinicius Jr.
As the Portuguese side travelled to Madrid for the Champions League playoff second leg, Costa addressed the media and made his stance unmistakably clear.
Speaking firmly, the former Portugal international said, “Prestianni is being called a racist, but he is anything but racist. I can guarantee.
“I can not know what was said or not said. What we believe is in the word of Prestianni; more than that, it is knowing the players we have at home,” he said.
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Costa acknowledged that the episode has created discomfort within the club but insisted Benfica stand united behind their midfielder.
As the delegation prepared for the decisive European fixture, he added,
“It’s clear there was a conversation among us all, uncomfortable for the club and uncomfortable for the player, who is being crucified, and I guarantee he’s not a racist player; otherwise, he wouldn’t represent Benfica.”
Rui Costa has defended Gianluca Prestianni. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The president emphasised that the situation had been difficult for everyone involved.
However, he sought to separate what happened on the pitch from the club’s institutional values.
“The incident does not affect in any way what Benfica is as an inclusive club, as an anti-racist club, and one that would never allow racist players within the squad.
“This is a point I want to make very clear.”
Costa doubled down once more to remove any ambiguity. “I’ll reiterate what I said a moment ago: Benfica will not allow a racist player on the team.
He then clarified the club’s position in case it wasn’t clear.
“Benfica will stand by Prestianni, as I’ve said: he’s our player. But not only because he’s our player.
“Prestianni isn’t racist. He’s being condemned for racism when he isn’t racist. And, therefore, precisely for that reason, he deserves our support,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo