Real Madrid have been fined €15,000 by UEFA after a supporter was filmed appearing to perform a Nazi salute before their Champions League match against Benfica last month. The incident took place at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, with the fan being ejected by security after being identified. The club condemned the gesture at the time.
UEFA also imposed a suspended punishment ordering the partial closure of 500 seats in the lower south stand during Real Madrid's next home European match. The closure will only be enforced if a similar incident occurs within a year.
Tensions were high ahead of the second leg, following allegations of racial abuse made by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior against Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni was given a provisional one-match ban and missed the match, with a full investigation ongoing.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho initially faced criticism for his response to Vinicius's allegations, but later issued a strong condemnation of discrimination. He stated that any player who did not respect his principles would not continue under his management or at Benfica.
Real Madrid won the second leg 2-1, with Vinicius scoring the winner, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory. They will face Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League.
