The Portuguese club Benfica has announced it will appeal UEFA's decision to provisionally suspend Argentine Gianluca Prestianni for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 playoff against Real Madrid. The decision was made due to alleged racist insults directed at Brazilian Vinicius during the first leg. In a statement, Benfica laments being 'deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation' and notes that it is aware that even if it appeals the decision, 'it is unlikely that the deadlines in question will have any practical effect' on the match, which takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
