S.L. Benfica have suspended five supporters for behaviour “of a racist nature” during their Champions League knockout play-off first leg against Real Madrid CF earlier this month.
Investigation and sanctions
The match at Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse. Television footage appeared to show some supporters making racist gestures towards the Real Madrid forward.
Benfica said an internal investigation led to disciplinary proceedings and the “maximum sanction” under the club’s statutes — expulsion of membership — for five individuals.
In a statement, the Portuguese club reaffirmed that it does not tolerate discrimination or racism and pledged to act firmly against behaviour that undermines its values.
On-field flashpoint
Vinicius had opened the scoring but was booked for celebrating in front of Benfica fans. After an exchange with Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni — who denies making any racist remark — Vinicius alerted the referee before briefly leaving the pitch alongside team-mates.
When play resumed, an object thrown from the crowd struck the Brazilian as he prepared to take a corner.
Prestianni received a provisional one-match ban from Uefa and missed the return leg in Madrid, which Real won 2-1 to progress 3-1 on aggregate. Vinicius, who scored again at the Bernabeu, was booed by travelling supporters.
Benfica have also denied claims that Prestianni admitted to squad members or officials that he had used racist language.
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