Real Madrid Fan Expelled for Nazi Salute at Champions League Clash
Real Madrid has taken decisive action against a supporter who performed a Nazi salute during the Champions League play-off match against Benfica on Wednesday night. The La Liga giants swiftly identified and removed the fan from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, initiating expulsion proceedings through the club's Disciplinary Committee.
Controversy Mars Real Madrid's Victory
Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win in the second leg, with goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior, advancing to the last-16 with a 3-1 aggregate victory. However, the triumph was overshadowed by the hateful act captured on camera, where the fan repeatedly made a fascist salute as other supporters raised scarves aloft.
In a statement, Real Madrid condemned the gesture, stating: "Real Madrid CF announces that it has urgently requested the club's Disciplinary Committee to initiate immediate expulsion proceedings against the member who was caught on television cameras making the Nazi salute in the area where the Supporters' Stand is located, moments before the start of the match between Real Madrid and Benfica. This member was located by club security personnel moments after he appeared on the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Real Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and in society."
Racism Allegations Add to Champions League Tensions
This incident follows earlier controversy in the first leg, where Vinicius Jr alleged racial abuse by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni, who denies the allegation, received a one-game ban from UEFA, causing him to miss the match in Spain. He later criticized the decision on social media, accusing UEFA of bias, before deleting the post.
Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa emphasized the need for stronger action against racism, urging UEFA to "seize this opportunity" to demonstrate commitment beyond slogans. He stated: "We are facing a great opportunity to make a significant step forward in the fight against racism. UEFA has always been a strong advocate in the fight against racism, and now they have the opportunity not to leave it as just a slogan or a nice banner before matches. I hope they seize this opportunity."
The match was further marred by violent scenes involving Benfica fans clashing with Spanish police, highlighting ongoing issues in European football. Real Madrid's prompt response to the Nazi salute underscores their stance against hate, but the broader challenges of racism and violence in sport remain pressing concerns for authorities and clubs alike.
