UEFA slap fine on SL Benfica over fan misconduct vs Real Madrid
UEFA have fined SL Benfica €40,000 ($46,250) for “racist and/or discriminatory behaviour” by supporters during last month’s Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Additional sanctions were imposed on Benfica for other fan misconduct, including a €25,000 fine for objects thrown during the match and €8,000 for the use of a laser pointer. Meanwhile, assistant coach Pedro Machado received a one-game suspension for unsporting conduct.
Real Madrid won the first-leg 1-0 in Lisbon, but the match was overshadowed by allegations from Vinicius Jr, who claimed Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni directed a racist slur at him—a claim denied by both the player and the Portuguese club.
UEFA subsequently opened an investigation, provisionally suspending Prestianni for the return leg in Madrid the following week, where Real secured a 2-1 win to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory.
The disciplinary measures announced Wednesday also included a partial stadium closure for Benfica during a home game, suspended for a one-year probationary period.
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