Spanish football club Real Madrid has been fined 15,000 euros by UEFA and faces a partial stadium closure following a supporter’s alleged Nazi salute during a recent UEFA Champions League match against Benfica. The individual responsible was promptly identified and ejected from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium before the game began. Real Madrid expressed strong disapproval of the gesture and emphasized its commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere at the stadium.
UEFA’s disciplinary body conducted an investigation and imposed a 15,000 euros fine on Real Madrid. Additionally, the club has been instructed to close 500 seats in the lower south stand for their next home European match. However, this stadium closure penalty is currently suspended for a probationary period of one year, with enforcement contingent on any similar incidents occurring during this time.
The match between Real Madrid and Benfica had already been tense due to allegations of racial abuse made by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior against Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg of the tie. Prestianni received a provisional one-match suspension and could face further disciplinary measures pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League round of 16 by defeating Benfica 2-1 in the second leg at the Bernabeu, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory. Vinicius scored the crucial goal in the return fixture. The club’s strong performance across competitions has seen them competing for the La Liga title and progressing in European competitions. Real Madrid is now gearing up to face Manchester City in the round of 16, a highly anticipated matchup in the tournament.
