Gianluca Prestianni, a notable young player, has publicly criticized UEFA’s handling of his suspension during a Champions League match against Real Madrid. This reaction followed Benfica’s appeal to overturn the provisional ban imposed on him.
Prestianni’s Reaction to UEFA Decision
Following UEFA’s announcement regarding his suspension, Prestianni took to social media to express his disappointment. Initially, he responded to a fan’s complaint about another player, Federico Valverde, who faced accusations of assault but reportedly escaped punishment.
Key Points of Prestianni’s Criticism
In his now-deleted post, Prestianni pointed out inconsistencies in UEFA’s disciplinary actions:
- Valverde allegedly escaped punishment for an act of violence during a match against Benfica.
- Prestianni condemned being sanctioned without substantive evidence regarding claims of racism towards Vinícius Júnior.
- He described the situation as disgraceful, highlighting a perceived bias in UEFA’s decisions.
His comments were direct, stating, “It’s a disgrace that a violent act goes unpunished while others face penalties without proof.” Despite the emotional weight of his words, he removed the post just thirty minutes later.
Benfica’s Response and Investigation Status
Benfica had lodged a formal complaint with UEFA concerning the incident between Valverde and another player, Dahl. However, UEFA decided to archive this complaint, reaffirming Valverde’s eligibility for the upcoming match, while Prestianni remains sidelined.
As the investigation continues, the disparity in treatment between players raises questions about consistency in officiating and disciplinary measures in European football. Fans and analysts will be monitoring further developments closely.
