UEFA’s Administration, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee ordered a partial closure of one match at the Santiago Bernabéu due to “racist and/or discriminatory behavior by supporters” against Benfica, according to a report. However, closure is only possible if the offender re-offends within one year. UEFA also fined the club 15,000 euros.
The sanction followed an incident in which a Grada fan was caught on camera giving a Nazi salute before the start of the Champions League second leg against Benfica. Real Madrid security immediately spotted him, identified him and removed him from the stadium before the start of the match.
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“Real Madrid condemns gestures and expressions of this kind that incite violence and hatred in sport and society,” said a statement released by the Spanish club, which did not prevent UEFA’s sanctions.
Moreover, the incident occurred during a match in which Real Madrid fans held up a banner reading “No to racism” in support of Vinicius, in response to what happened between him and Prestiani in the first leg of the Champions League at the Estadio da Luz.
UEFA statement
– impose a fine of 15,000 on Real Madrid CF for racist and/or discriminatory behavior by its supporters and order a partial closure of the Real Madrid CF Stadium (i.e. the adjacent 500 seats in the south stand) during the next UEFA club competition match in which Real Madrid CF will play as host club; Such stadium closures will be suspended for a one-year trial period from the date of this decision.
