Benfica announced on Friday that it has provisionally suspended five supporters for allegedly making racist remarks during this month’s Champions League first-leg defeat to Real Madrid.

The February 17 loss in Lisbon was overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse directed at Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior. The Brazil international scored the winning goal before the alleged incident prompted officials to halt the match for approximately 10 minutes.

Madrid went on to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Portuguese side, advancing to the last 16 after Wednesday’s second leg.

In a statement, Benfica said it had “suspended five members and cancelled their red passes following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings which may lead to the maximum sanction provided in the statutes, expulsion.”

The club reaffirmed its stance against discrimination, adding: “Benfica does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act firmly whenever behaviours that undermine the values of the club, sport and society are involved.”

The two-time European Cup winners said further action would depend on the outcome of the ongoing disciplinary process.