Benfica icon calls Prestianni a ‘racist rat’ after allegedly racially abusing Real Madrid's Vinicius

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was just called out by a club legend after allegedly racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. The Champions League play-off first-leg between the two European sides was marred by disgraceful scenes at the Estadio da Luz.

Vinicius bagged the winner with a stunning strike and celebrated with a dance in the corner. This antagonised the home fans and the Benfica players who felt he was trying to provoke them.

Prestianni approached the Madrid man and pulled his shirt over his mouth before aiming a comment at him. The Brazilian winger went straight to the referee about the incident and claimed that the Argentine had called him a "monkey."

Prestianni has denied using a racist slur with a post on social media. Several Madrid teammates insisted the 20-year-old had racially abused Vinicius.

The game was paused for 10 minutes as UEFA's racism protocol was invoked. The game resumed with the Argentine still allowed to continue playing.

Benfica icon slams Prestianni after Vinicius incident

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho gave a ridiculous response to the incident and suggested Vinicius caused the situation. But a legend of the Portuguese giants has slammed Prestianni and made clear how he feels about the player.

Luisao reacted to the allegations and hit out at the young winger (via Madrid Zone):

“I love Benfica, but you have to be worthy to wear the sacred jersey. Prestianni was a racist rat, and I am ashamed of that.”

UEFA are now set to investigate the incident and will determine whether action needs to be taken. Kylian Mbappe called for the Argentine to be banned from the Champions League and insisted the player had called Vinicius a monkey five times.

Benfica ridiculed for social media post

Benfica's media team looked to defend Prestianni and posted a video of the incident from a non-televised camera angle. The caption reads:

"As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard."

Fans and the media have responded to the post with bemusement and argued that the club are ruining their reputation. Mourinho's comments didn't help as he criticised Vinicius' celebrations despite the fact he's spent his entire career provoking the opposition.

Vinicius took to Instagram hours after the game and said that racists are nothing more than "cowards."" This was the same stance former Manchester City defender Micah Richards took after watching the Benfica attacker cover his mouth.