UEFA has handed Real Madrid a €15,000 ($17,000) fine following a deeply troubling incident in which one of the club’s supporters made a Nazi salute before their UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica on February 25. The European football governing body also imposed a partial stadium closure of 500 seats at the Santiago Bernabéu, though the sanction has been suspended for one year.
UEFA’s Disciplinary Action
UEFA’s disciplinary board confirmed the punishment was issued due to the “racist and/or discriminatory behaviour” of Real Madrid’s supporters. The incident occurred ahead of kick-off and was captured on camera, prompting swift action from both the club and football authorities. Real Madrid identified the individual responsible and had them removed from the stadium before the match concluded.
Real Madrid issued a firm public statement in response, declaring that the club “condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society.”
A Turbulent Week for the Spanish Giants
The Bernabéu incident came just one week after another controversy involving the same fixture. Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior alleged that Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him during the first leg of the tie. Prestianni has firmly denied the allegation, and the matter remains unresolved.
Despite the off-pitch turbulence, Real Madrid successfully advanced to the round of 16 in the Champions League, where they are set to face English giants Manchester City in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated ties.