Rabat — The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) fined SL Benfica on Wednesday for fans’ racism during their last game against Real Madrid, according to AP News.
The game took place on February 17 in Lisbon, where multiple incidents happened, including the altercation in which Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni allegedly insulted Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.
In addition, the club was handed a €40,000 fine for inappropriate chants and gestures by two fans, as well as a probation of one year, which could lead to a partial closure of the Stadium of Light at a future European fixture if similar behavior happens again.
Further sanctions were issued over supporter misconduct, with a €25,000 fine for objects thrown to the pitch and an additional €8,000 penalty for the use of a laser pointer. Meanwhile, assistant coach Pedro Machado received a one-match suspension for unsporting behavior.
Television footage appeared to show some supporters of Benfica making monkey gestures — the racist insult that Prestianni allegedly threw at Vinicus Jr after the Brazilian forward scored and celebrated in front of the opposing team’s crowd. The match was then stopped for nearly 10 minutes, before Real Madrid ultimately won 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Knockout playoff round.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about racism in European football, with Benfica now under pressure to prevent similar incidents in the future.