Gianluca Prestianni: Benfica winger provisionally suspended by UEFA after allegedly racially abusing Vinicius Junior

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match after he allegedly made a racist comment to Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.

UEFA have opened an investigation into allegations of "discriminatory behaviour" during Real's Champions League knockout play-off first leg and, upon the request of UEFA's Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, Prestianni will miss the second leg while the investigation is ongoing.

Benfica say they will appeal Prestianni's temporary suspension "even though the timelines in question mean it's unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg".

But Benfica are still considering taking Prestianni with them to Madrid when they leave Lisbon at 10.30am on Tuesday.

That would mean he could play against Real Madrid - and Vinicius Junior - if Benfica are successful in their appeal.

Vinicius Jr initially refused to continue last Tuesday after the incident with Prestianni, who has denied the allegations.

The Real forward had just given his side the lead - after which he celebrated in front of the Benfica fans, for which he was booked - when he was confronted by Prestianni, who pulled his shirt up over his mouth before saying something to the Madrid forward.

Vinicius Jr ran to speak to the match referee Francois Letexier, who immediately stopped the game. The referee responded by crossing ​his arms in front of his ⁠face, activating FIFA's anti-racism protocol and temporarily stopping the match.

Mourinho was sent off during the game after being shown two yellow cards, meaning he did not have to speak to the media afterwards and is suspended for the return leg at the Bernabeu, where his side will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit to stay in the competition.

UEFA's Champions League regulations state that a manager who is suspended does not have to speak to the media the day before the game.

Mourinho has been widely criticised for appearing to defend his player and club by questioning the way Vinicius celebrates goals in his post-match press conference in Lisbon.