UEFA has fined Spanish football club Real Madrid 15,000 euros ($17,000) after one of the club’s supporters made a Nazi salute before a recent UEFA Champions League match against Benfica. The governing body also imposed a partial stadium closure of 500 seats at the Santiago Bernabéu, suspended for one year.
UEFA said the action was taken after an incident before the second leg of the play-off round between the two sides on February 25. The disciplinary board punished Madrid “for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters,” according to a statement issued by the European football body.
The incident took place before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Benfica. The Spanish club later said the supporter involved had been identified and removed from the stadium.
“Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society,” the club said at the time.
A week before the incident at the Bernabéu, Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior alleged that he was racially abused by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni has denied the allegation.
Real Madrid also removed the supporter who was caught on camera making the Nazi salute before the match began. The first leg of the tie had also seen the alleged racism incident involving Vinicius and Prestianni.
Real Madrid advanced to the round of 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Manchester City.
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