Benfica fans clashed with Spanish police in violent scenes outside the Bernabeu on Wednesday night before their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
It promised to be a highly contentious game in the Spanish capital, with the two sides battling to reach the last-16 of Europe’s premier competition. The tie, though, has been marred by racism allegations against Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
The midfielder has been provisionally banned by UEFA after Madrid’s Vinicius Jr accused him of calling him a ‘monkey’ – an allegation Prestianni denies.
Before the match, though, things got violent outside the ground, with videos shared to social media showing riot police clashing with supporters, with some ending up on the floor.
Reports also suggested that a number of fans required medical attention, with more footage showing large groups of supporters retreating from the police.
Other videos showed police challenging the fans on horseback, with the confrontations eventually calming.
Things got violent outside the Bernabeu on Wednesday as Benfica fans clashed with Spanish riot police
The events came before large sections of the away fans booed Vinicius Jr when he was on the ball during the game.
Prestianni is alleged to have directed the word ‘mono’, Spanish for ‘monkey’, at Vinicius after the Brazilian’s mocking celebration in front of the Benfica supporters.
But the 20-year-old star has denied using racist language and instead claims he used the homophobic slur ‘maricon’, Spanish for ‘f****t’, in response to being taunted about his height.
Standing at 5ft 5in, Prestianni is among the shortest players in the Champions League and, according to The Times, his main defence is that he acted in retaliation after Vinicius referred to him as a dwarf.
Insiders have told the newspaper that this defence will not wash as an excuse to use racist or discriminatory language.
Vinicius Jr made the accusation of racist abuse to the referee after Prestianni was seen covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking to the Brazilian.
The match was delayed by 10 minutes after the allegation of racism was made by Vinicius.
Kylian Mbappe claimed he also heard Prestianni use the racist insult five times, insisting after the match that the footballer should never be allowed to compete in the Champions League again.
Vinicius Jr (left) accused Gianluca Prestianni (centre) of racist abuse during last week’s Champions League play-off first leg in Lisbon
Both racist and homophobic abuse are breaches of Article 14 of the UEFA’s disciplinary rules, meaning Prestianni could be set for a lengthy ban regardless of whether his defence is believed.
Taunts about a player’s physical appearance, such as height, weight and baldness, are not covered by the regulations.
Benfica have stood firm in their defence of the player, releasing a statement expressing their ‘regret’ over UEFA’s decision to hand Prestianni a provisional one-match suspension while the governing body conducts a full investigation.
