The knockout phase encounter between Real Madrid and Benfica was already fraught with tension following previous allegations of racial slurs involving Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni. However, the disciplinary focus has now shifted to the stands of the Santiago Bernabeu, where UEFA have taken action against Los Blancos for an incident captured during the international broadcast.
During the matchās official coverage, television cameras identified a supporter making a racist political gesture. UEFAās Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body responded by issuing a financial penalty and a suspended partial stadium closure.
āTo fine Real Madrid C.F. ā¬15,000 and to order the partial closure of Real Madrid C.F. stadium (i.e. 500 adjacent seats of the lower south stand), during the next one (1) UEFA club competition match in which Real Madrid C.F. will play as host club, for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters. Said stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision,ā UEFA stated in an official release.
Because the closure is suspended, Real Madrid will be permitted to operate at full capacity when they host Manchester City on Wednesday, March 11, for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The sanction will only be triggered if a similar incident of discriminatory behavior occurs within the one-year probationary window.
The incident sparked significant controversy, as it occurred just as the teams took the pitch and fans displayed a āNo to Racismā banner in solidarity with Vinicius Jr. following his recent accusations against Benficaās Prestianni.
Real Madrid take immediate action against supporter
see also
Jose Mourinho issues strong warning to Gianluca Prestianni about the incident with Vinicius Jr in Champions League
Real Madrid moved swiftly to distance the club from the individualās actions. Security personnel at the Santiago Bernabeu identified and ejected the supporter shortly after the gesture was broadcast.
āReal Madrid C.F. communicates that it has urgently requested the clubās Disciplinary Commission to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure for the member caught by television cameras,ā the club stated in an official statement. āThis member was located by club security members moments after appearing in the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the stadiumā.
The club concluded by reaffirming its stance against intolerance: āReal Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and in societyā.
