Prestiani ban: Benfica forward handed temporary suspension of one match after alleged racist abuse towards Vinicius Junior

There have been calls for action from UEFA after the shameful scenes at the Estadio da Luz last week.

And it has shown it is ready to move forward quickly.

It took only 16 hours for European football’s governing body to open a disciplinary case against Prestiani.

He has been banned after three working days and pending the outcome of the full investigation.

UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspector says a prima facie case is made out against the Argentina international.

This means that upon initial assessment, the evidence presented is sufficient to support an allegation of using discriminatory language.

This may seem like an odd move, jumping the gun before making a full decision.

But UEFA has precedent for imposing interim sanctions in such a case. It shows that it recognises when unacceptable behaviour requires quick action.

In 2021, Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela was accused of racially abusing Rangers’ Glen Kamara in the second leg of a Europa League tie at Ibrox.

Like Prestieni, the Czech Republic international covered his mouth before passing the ball to Kamara.

At the same time as Prestiani, UEFA issued an interim one-game ban to Slavia Prague two days before they were scheduled to play Arsenal in the next round of the competition.

Eight days later, Kúdela was banned for 10 games after UEFA found the matter proven.

UEFA had to move quickly this time, as the next game was just a week away. However, it has consistently taken action when evidence demands.