Gianluca Prestianni, a Benfica winger, has made his first public statement following a racism controversy involving a UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.

The incident, which has divided opinion throughout European football, resulted in the game being temporarily halted and sparked a broader debate about racism in sport.

In the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off in Lisbon, Real Madrid took the lead thanks to Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior.

Vinícius approached the referee shortly after celebrating his goal, alleging that Prestianni had directed racist abuse toward him during an exchange while Prestianni was covering his mouth with his shirt. This prompted referee François Letexier to halt the match for nearly ten minutes in accordance with FIFA and UEFA’s anti-racism protocols.

He claimed Prestianni called him a ‘monkey’. His team-mate, Kylian Mbappe, who was in close vicinity of the exchange, corroborated his claim.

Prestianni himself has now given his version of events. Taking to Instagram, the 20-year-old said: ‘I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to player Vinícius Junior, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. 

‘I was never racist with anyone, and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.’

On X, Prestianni questioned what he felt was a subdued initial reaction from Vinicius’s team-mates, given the gravity of the accusation levelled against him. He also explained why he raised his shirt over his mouth.

‘If they keep saying that SUPPOSEDLY I made a racist comment to Vinicius Junior, then why didn’t any of them react?’ he asked. ‘Accusing someone of something serious isn’t right, and even less so when it’s not true.

‘And everyone pointing fingers at me for covering up with my shirt when they know that all soccer players cover their mouths to talk. Don’t try to make up more.’

UEFA are expected to launch an investigation into the incident.

A UEFA spokesman said: ‘The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where matters are reported, proceedings are opened and, should they lead to disciplinary sanctions being imposed, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website.

‘We have no further information to provide you or any further comment to make on this matter at this stage.’