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European football's governing body has fined Portuguese club Benfica €40,000 ($46,000) for racist abuse by fans during a Champions League match against Real Madrid in Lisbon, while its separate investigation into a player accused of racially abusing Vinícius Jr continues.

UEFA announced the fine on Wednesday, citing "illicit chants and gestures by two supporters" during the February 17 first-leg match, according to Al Jazeera. The club also faces a one-year probation period, during which any repeat offense could result in the partial closure of the Estádio da Luz for a future European fixture.

Coverage comparison

Al Jazeera's report focused on the disciplinary action against Benfica, detailing the financial penalty and probation terms. The Buenos Aires Times, drawing on an interview with the player, gave prominence to Gianluca Prestianni's denial of the accusation, presenting his emotional response and the support he says he received from his club and coach.

Both outlets reported that the match was stopped for nearly 10 minutes after Vinícius alerted the referee to an alleged racist insult from Prestianni. Al Jazeera noted that Benfica had previously suspended five fans under investigation for "inappropriate behaviour in the stands of a racist nature."

Key claims

  • UEFA fined Benfica €40,000 for "illicit chants and gestures by two supporters" during the February match, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • The club must serve a one-year probation period to avoid partial closure of the Estádio da Luz, according to the same report.
  • The match was stopped for approximately 10 minutes after Vinícius told the referee that Prestianni called him a "monkey," a claim carried by both sources.
  • Prestianni was suspended by UEFA for the second leg in Madrid while under investigation, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times.
  • Prestianni denies making the insult, saying he was condemned "without any evidence," per his interview with Argentine broadcaster Telefe cited by the Buenos Aires Times.
  • UEFA's investigation of Prestianni is ongoing, with a potential 10-game ban if found guilty, according to Al Jazeera and the Buenos Aires Times.

Perspectives

Al Jazeera's presentation suggests a focus on institutional accountability, emphasizing UEFA's punitive measures against the club. The Buenos Aires Times offers a player-centric view, highlighting Prestianni's denial and the emotional toll of the accusation. These differing lenses reflect the broader discourse around racism in football, where institutional responses and individual narratives often intersect.

Prestianni, who was accused of making the insult while covering his mouth with his shirt, told Telefe: "I was thinking about my father, my mother, my grandparents, about the fact that so many things were being said that don't reflect who I am and that didn't happen." He also praised his coach, José Mourinho, as "a phenomenon" and "a great person," though Mourinho had earlier been criticized for implying Vinícius provoked the abuse with his goal celebration. The Benfica coach later said that if the racism allegation were confirmed, Prestianni would never play for him again.

Real Madrid won the tie 3-1 on aggregate to advance to the Champions League last 16. Prestianni, who was called up by Argentina for friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia but did not play, faces a ban of at least 10 matches if UEFA finds him guilty of abusing Vinícius.