UEFA Issues Heavy Fines To Benfica Following Real Madrid Incident

‎UEFA has fined Benfica €40,000 for what it classified as racist or discriminatory behaviour by supporters during last month’s Champions League match against Real Madrid.

‎The club was also issued an additional €25,000 penalty after fans threw objects during the game. A further €8,000 fine was handed down due to the use of a laser pointer in the stadium.

‎Assistant coach Pedro Machado received a one-match suspension for unsporting conduct.

‎Madrid won the first leg 1–0 in Lisbon, but the match was overshadowed by Vinícius Júnior accusing Gianluca Prestianni of using a racist slur an allegation both the player and Benfica denied.

‎UEFA subsequently opened an investigation into the incident. Prestianni was provisionally suspended for the second leg in Madrid, where Real claimed a 2–1 win to secure a 3–1 aggregate victory. UEFA’s disciplinary ruling on Wednesday also included a suspended order to partially close Benfica’s stadium.

‎That measure will remain on probation for one year.