Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has condemned racism and homophobia as equally unacceptable after Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni was provisionally suspended for allegedly directing a racist slur at Vinicius Junior during a UEFA Champions League clash last week.

UEFA handed Prestianni a one-match provisional ban on Monday following accusations that he insulted Vinicius during Madrid’s 1-0 play-off first-leg victory in Lisbon. The Argentine has denied racially abusing the Brazilian, claiming he was misheard.

Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni revealed that Prestianni told him he had not used a racist term but instead directed a homophobic insult — an explanation Courtois insisted does not lessen the severity of the situation.

“It’s just as serious because they are homophobic insults,” Courtois told reporters. “I’ve also seen the images from the Benfica stand during the match, and I think it’s deplorable to see that in a stadium,” he added, referencing footage of supporters making monkey gestures.

“You may like a player more or less, but making those gestures is shameful. I haven’t seen if they’ve said anything about going after their fans who made those monkey gestures.

“With everything that has happened, there are many things that haven’t been done well. Racism, homophobia — all of these things — we simply cannot accept them, and the insult is equally serious.”

No justification

Courtois also criticised comments from Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who suggested supporters had been provoked by Vinicius’ goal celebration.

“Vini didn’t do anything wrong. He celebrated the way many opponents have celebrated against us, too,” Courtois said. “We can’t justify an alleged act of racism with a celebration.”

UEFA regulations state that any individual found guilty of insulting human dignity on grounds including sexual orientation faces a minimum 10-match suspension.

The referee halted the first leg for 11 minutes after Vinicius raised the complaint, and Courtois acknowledged that anti-racism protocols are improving but said more decisive action is still required.

“If Vini had said he couldn’t continue, I think as a team we would have taken a stand,” the Belgian added. “But what happened in the stands, for me, are reasons to stop a match and throw those people out.

“If it happens right in front of a security guard, that person has to act and call the authorities. We can keep improving, and as a society we also need to stop being so foolish.”

Ahead of Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid, Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised Vinicius’ response to the controversy.

“Anyone in his situation — I don’t know how I would react,” Arbeloa said. “He has always responded with courage, showing huge personality and character. He is a fighter.

“He’s very well, eager and motivated for these kinds of games. He’s a game-changing player, a leader, and we need him to enjoy himself and have a great match.”

The return leg will take place under heightened scrutiny as UEFA’s investigation continues.