Champions League: UEFA sanctions Benfica after racist incidents during the match against Real Madrid.
Following incidents during the play-off against Real Madrid, Benfica of Lisbon was hit with a heavy fine and a partial stadium closure with a suspended sentence, while UEFA tightens its stance against racism.
UEFA has ruled. SL Benfica was sanctioned following racist incidents that occurred during its Champions League play-off against Real Madrid, played a few weeks ago in Portugal. The Lisbon supporters were singled out for discriminatory conduct toward the Madrid players. The match was notably marked by Vinícius Júnior’s allegations that he had been the target of racist insults, involving Benfica’s young player Gianluca Prestianni.
Following its investigation, the European body decided to crack down. In a statement, it announced a 40,000-euro fine against the Portuguese club, along with a partial stadium closure with a suspended sentence. Benfica also faces additional financial penalties: 8,000 euros for the use of laser pointers and 25,000 euros for objects thrown from the stands. Finally, the assistant to the Lisbon-based coach, Machado, was suspended for one match. A decision that underscores UEFA’s aim to tighten its stance against the misconduct observed in European stadiums.
