LISBON, Portugal (AP) – Benfica has suspended five fans for their racist behavior after player Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially insulting Vinicius Junior during their Champions League game against Real Madrid.
Benfica announced in a statement on Friday that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against five club members, which could ultimately result in their expulsion.
The club suspended them after an initial internal investigation found evidence of “inappropriate conduct in the stands of a racist nature and inconsistent with the values and principles that govern the club”.
Television footage showed some fans making monkey-like gestures after Madrid won 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs on February 17. The match had to be stopped for nearly 10 minutes after Vinicius accused Prestiani of calling him a “monkey” after the Brazilian celebrated a goal in front of Benfica fans.
Prestiani denied racially insulting Vinicius but was given an interim suspension by UEFA for Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid. The hosts won the match 2-1 (with one goal scored by Vinicius) and advanced to the round of 16 of the European competition.
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