The Benfica player, Argentine Gianluca Prestianni, admitted to directing offensive words at Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during the first leg of the playoff qualifying for the Champions League round of 16, which took place at the Estádio da Luz.

According to reports, Bristiani directed an insult related to sexual orientation, not a racially charged insult as initially rumored. He admitted before UEFA that he uttered the offensive term "sissy," denying that he used the racial slur "monkey."

According to UEFA's disciplinary regulations, insults based on sexual orientation are treated with the same penalty as racial abuse, which means a player can be suspended for up to 10 matches, in addition to a financial fine, pending the final official decision from the disciplinary committee.

This incident reignites the debate over unacceptable behaviors within European stadiums, amidst the continental federation's emphasis on combating all forms of discrimination, whether racial or based on sexual orientation.