Midfielder to miss Champions League second leg as investigation continues.

UEFA on Monday provisionally suspended Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni from this week’s Champions League play off second leg against Real Madrid following allegations he racially abused Vinicius Junior.

UEFA’s disciplinary body, which is still investigating the alleged incident during last week’s first leg, said it had decided to provisionally suspend Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.

As a result, Prestianni will not feature for Benfica on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the Portuguese side aim to overturn a 1 0 deficit and reach the last 16.

Brazil international Vinicius scored the only goal of the first leg and reported the alleged racist abuse to the referee after his celebration, prompting a stoppage of around 10 minutes.

UEFA said the provisional one match suspension is without prejudice to any ruling that its disciplinary bodies may make once the investigation concludes. If found guilty of racially abusing the Real Madrid forward, Prestianni faces a minimum 10 match ban.

Prestianni, 20, who was seen arguing with Vinicius while covering his mouth with his shirt, denies making any racist remarks.

CBI News reports that Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold described the incident as a disgrace to football, while striker Kylian Mbappe said Prestianni does not deserve to play in the Champions League again.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who is also suspended for the second leg, criticised Vinicius for his goal celebration and argued his club could not be racist, citing the legacy of former Benfica great Eusebio.