Feb. 23 (UPI) — UEFA issued a provisional one-game suspension to Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. claimed he racially abused him, the European soccer governing body announced Monday.

Prestianni has denied using racist language toward the Brazilian forward. Benfica announced plans to appeal the suspension.

“This is without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and its respective submission to the UEFA disciplinary bodies,” UEFA said in a statement.

Vinicius accused the Argentine forward of directing a racist insult at him after he scored the lone goal of Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal. Both players, who met for a verbal exchange after Vinicius’ celebration, received yellow cards.

Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe said in a postgame interview that Prestianni called Vinicius a “monkey” five times. He also said he doesn’t think the Benfica forward deserves to play in the Champions League.

“Vini isn’t perfect,” Mbappe told TNT Sports. “None of the players on the field are perfect, but there are some things we simply cannot accept.”

UEFA announced Wednesday that an ethics and disciplinary inspector was appointed to investigate “allegations of discriminatory behavior” during the first leg of the Champions League playoff matchup.

Real Madrid officials said Thursday that they submitted evidence to UEFA regarding Vinicius’ claims. Benfica officials offered “full support and belief in the version” of events presented by Prestianni. The Liga Portugal club also said it “regrets the defamation campaign to which the player [Prestianni] has been subjected.”

Benfica held that stance Monday, saying the club “regrets being deprived of a player while the process is still under investigation.”

“[The club] also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of racism or discrimination, values that are part of its historical identity and are reflected in its daily actions, its global community, the work of the Benfica foundation, and major figures in the club’s history, such as Eusebio,” Benfica said.

Vinicius, 25, has a documented history of being the victim of racism and hate crimes. Spain’s La Liga said he has been the target of racial abuse on more than two dozen occasions since 2021.

Last year, four people we convicted of hate crimes and threats against the striker. Those charges stemmed from 2023, when a group was accused of hanging a mannequin — dressed as Vinicius — from a bridge near Madrid’s training facility.

“Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match,” Madrid said.

“Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all areas of the global football community. Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence and hate in sports and society.”

Madrid will host Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League playoff at 3 p.m. EST Wednesday in Madrid. The Spanish club will return to La Liga action with a home match against Getafe on March 2 at the Bernabeu.

Madrid (19-3-3) sits in second place, one point behind rival Barcelona (20-4-1), in the La Liga standings. Getafe (8-12-5) sits in 12th place in La Liga.

Benfica (16-0-7), coached by former Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, sits third in Liga Portugal, three points behind second-place Sporting (18-1-4) and seven behind first-place Porto (20-1-2). The Eagles will battle Gil Vicente in their next league match March 2 in Vila Boa.