Benfica fined 40,000 euros and placed on probation for racist fan behaviour during Champions League clash with Real Madrid

Lisbon – UEFA has ordered Benfica to pay a 40,000-euro fine and serve a one-year probationary period after concluding that two home supporters engaged in racist chanting and monkey gestures during the Champions League knockout playoff first leg against Real Madrid on 17 February at Estádio da Luz.

European football’s governing body announced the sanction on Wednesday, confirming that any repeat offence within the probation window could trigger a partial stadium closure for a future European fixture. The disciplinary ruling relates solely to fan misconduct; a separate investigation into Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who stands accused of racially abusing Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, remains open.

Television footage broadcast worldwide showed individuals in the stands making simian gestures after the Spanish champions sealed a 1-0 victory. Play was halted for almost ten minutes late in the match when Vinícius informed the referee that Prestianli had called him “monkey” while celebrating his goal in front of the home support. The Argentine teenager denies uttering the slur and obscured his mouth with his jersey during the episode; he was nevertheless suspended for the return leg in Madrid and now faces the prospect of a ten-game UEFA competition ban should the charge be upheld.

Benfica moved swiftly in the aftermath, suspending five supporters who were identified as part of the club’s internal inquiry into “inappropriate behaviour in the stands of a racist nature.” The Portuguese giants have not commented on the fine but are expected to review stadium security protocols ahead of their next continental appearance.

UEFA’s verdict underscores the organisation’s zero-tolerance stance on discrimination, reinforcing the obligation on clubs to police their own environments or face escalating penalties.

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