UEFA has fined Real Madrid €15,000 following an incident involving discriminatory behaviour by a supporter before the club’s recent UEFA Champions League match against Benfica.
The decision was issued by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body. In addition to the financial penalty, UEFA ordered the partial closure of the Santiago Bernabéu for a future UEFA club competition match. The sanction has been suspended for a period of one year and will only be enforced if a similar incident occurs during that time.
If the measure is triggered, it will affect 500 seats located in the lower section of the south stand of the stadium.
The disciplinary action relates to an event that took place before the start of the Champions League second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica. Television cameras recorded a supporter in the fan zone making a Nazi salute.
Security personnel intervened shortly afterwards. The individual involved was identified and removed from the stadium before the match began.
Following the incident, Real Madrid released a statement condemning the gesture and reaffirming the club’s position against hate and discrimination.
“Real Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and in society,” the club said.
The match at the Santiago Bernabéu also included a display of support from supporters for Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior. Fans held a banner reading “No to racism” during the game.
The message followed a previous controversy during the first leg of the Champions League tie at the Estádio da Luz involving Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni.
UEFA confirmed that the sanction against Real Madrid relates specifically to discriminatory behaviour by a supporter. The disciplinary ruling places the club under a one year probation period during which the partial stadium closure could be activated if another similar incident occurs.
UEFA stated that the decision includes a €15,000 fine and the suspended closure of 500 seats in the lower south stand of the Santiago Bernabéu during the next UEFA club competition match played by Real Madrid at home.
