Benfica fined after Real Madrid racial abuse incident amid investigation into Vinicius Jr allegation
Benfica have been hit with a fine due to racist abuse by fans during the first leg of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid
Benfica were fined by Uefa on Wednesday for racist abuse by fans during last month’s Champions League game against Real Madrid, whose forward Vinicius Jr was allegedly racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni. Uefa’s investigation of Prestianni is ongoing, and the verdict on a separate charge against Benfica for misconduct by fans at the 17 February game in Lisbon was published on Wednesday. Benfica have been fined 40,000 euros ($34,600) for “illicit chants and gestures by two supporters,” Uefa confirmed.
The club must serve a one-year probation period to avoid closing part of the Stadium of Light at a future European competition game. Benfica previously suspended five fans who were under investigation for “inappropriate behavior in the stands of a racist nature. ” Television images showed some fans making monkey gestures after Madrid’s 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-offs round.
The game was stopped for nearly 10 minutes when Vinicius told the referee that Prestianni called him a “monkey” after he scored and celebrated in front of Benfica fans. Vinicius Jr claims he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni (AFP/Getty) Prestianni, who denied the allegation, pulled up his jersey to cover his mouth when the alleged insult was said. The Argentina winger was suspended by Uefa from the second leg in Madrid while he was under investigation.
He faces a 10-game ban from Uefa competition games if found guilty. Real Madrid went on to win the second leg 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory. This secured their place in the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition, and they sealed an impressive 5-1 aggregate win over Manchester City last week after winning both legs of the tie.