Prestianni posted on Instagram, stating he never directed racist insults at Vinicius Junior and that the player misunderstood what he heard. He added that he regrets the threats he received from Real Madrid players.
The incident follows a match where Benfica qualified for the playoffs, and the two clubs will face each other again on Wednesday 25. Real Madrid will need a two‑goal win in Madrid to advance, with the next round of 16 opponents being Sporting or Manchester City.