Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has denied making racial remarks against Brazil international of Cameroonian descent, Vinicius Jnr.
The 20-year-old Argentine is reported to have racially abused Vinicius during the Champions League playoff clash between Benfica and Real Madrid.
The much-anticipated clash was halted for close to ten minute after Vinicius Jnr claimed he has been racially abused by Prestianni.
But the Argentine youngster has moved to deny, stressing the Brazilian attacker misinterpreted his words, which sparked an overreaction from both the player and his teammates.
“I want to clarify that under no circumstances did I shout racist insults at Vinicius Júnior, who unfortunately misunderstood what he thought he heard. I have never been a racist to anyone and I regret the threats I have received from Real Madrid players,” Prestianni wrote in his Instagram story.
The statement comes amid widespread attention on social media and in the football world, as Benfica and Real Madrid look to move past the incident.
Real Madrid will welcome the Portuguese giants in the return leg of the Champions League playoff next week.
