UEFA has fined Benfica 40,000 euros after their supporters behaved in a racist and discriminatory manner during their Champions League match against Real Madrid last month.
Benfica were also fined a further 25,000 euros for objects thrown onto the pitch, and 8,000 euros for the use of a laser pointer. On top of that, assistant coach Pedro Machado has been banned for one match for unsporting behaviour.
Real Madrid won the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon, but the match on 17th February was marred by controversy after Vinicius Jr claimed that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him, something both the player and the club strongly denied.
UEFA launched an investigation and banned Prestianni from the return leg in Madrid, where Real won 2-1 to go through 3-1 on aggregate.
As part of Wednesday’s disciplinary ruling, Benfica have also been ordered to partially close their stadium for a home match, though this has been suspended for a year on probation.
