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Benfica Player Faces Potential Ban for Homophobic Slur

2/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni admitted using a homophobic slur against Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior in a UEFA Champions League playoff in Lisbon.
The goal prompted a 10-minute stoppage as Vinícius Júnior reported the abuse to the referee.
Prestianni said he used the term 'm*****' in Spanish and denied using 'mono'.
Union of European Football Associations guidelines could impose a minimum 10-match ban for such offenses.

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Story summary

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni admitted using a homophobic slur against Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior in a UEFA Champions League playoff in Lisbon.
The goal prompted a 10-minute stoppage as Vinícius Júnior reported the abuse to the referee.
Prestianni said he used the term 'm*****' in Spanish and denied using 'mono'.
Union of European Football Associations guidelines could impose a minimum 10-match ban for such offenses.