UEFA has delivered its verdict in the case between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior. The young Argentinian winger from Benfica has been handed a six-match suspension, three of which are suspended, for comments deemed discriminatory made last February during a Champions League match.

The incident dates back to February 17th, during the first leg of the playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid (0-1). Accused of insulting Vinicius Junior, Prestianni sparked a heated controversy, even leading to the match being suspended for about ten minutes. Disciplinary proceedings were subsequently initiated.

After more than two months of investigation, the European body finally concluded that there had been "discriminatory conduct", without however confirming the racist nature of the remarks in question.

At the heart of the matter are accusations that Prestianni called his opponent a "monkey," allegations he has always denied. The Argentinian expressed his anger at these accusations, claiming he had been unfairly singled out.

However, the Benfica player admitted to making inappropriate homophobic remarks. Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni had also indicated that Prestianni had admitted on the pitch to using a homophobic slur rather than a racist term.

By reclassifying the incident as homophobic conduct, UEFA has thus validated the player's version of events. Already suspended for the second leg, Prestianni will have to serve two more matches, with the remaining three subject to a suspended sentence.