The Portuguese government has sensationally waded into the firestorm surrounding Benfica whizkid Gianluca Prestianni, launching their own investigation after Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior was allegedly subjected to racist abuse.
Authorities are now demanding answers after the 20 year old Argentine was accused of aiming sickening taunts at the Brazil international during the Champions League knockout showdown at the Estadio da Luz on February 17.
The ugly flashpoint erupted ten minutes into the second half of the pulsating tie. Vinny had just bagged a spectacular goal for the Spanish giants and celebrated in front of the home faithful, sparking fury among Benfica players who felt his antics were asking for trouble.
But as the handbags settled, Vinicius suddenly rushed to the match official and pointed the finger at Prestianni. The Benfica winger was allegedly caught hurling racist remarks, with footage showing him covering his mouth with his shirt.
UEFA has already confirmed they are probing the incident. Now the Portuguese government’s sports violence watchdog, the APCVD, have joined the fray.
In a statement that’ll send shudders through the Luz dressing room, the state body declared: “Following reports in the media regarding alleged insults/acts of racism directed at Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr, the APCVD has initiated administrative sanction proceedings to clarify the facts.”
Vinicius, who has been targeted by bigots in Spain on numerous occasions, took to social media after the game to slam the cowardice of racists and the system that fails to protect players.
“Racists are, above all, cowards,” he fumed. “They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life.”
Prestianni, meanwhile, has protested his innocence. In a statement of his own, he insisted: “I want to clarify that at no point did I direct racist insults at the player Vinicius Junior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he thinks he heard. I have never been racist towards anyone. And I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
But the book won’t be closed just yet. With both UEFA and the Portuguese government now sniffing around, Benfica and their Argentine youngster could be staring down the barrel of serious sanctions, from hefty fines to a referral to the judicial authorities.
One things for sure, the beautiful game has been left with an ugly stain. And this one ain’t going away quietly.
