Benfica Takes Swift Action: Five Fans Suspended Over Racist Abuse During Real Madrid Clash

Portuguese club Benfica has expelled five supporters for racist conduct during their Champions League knockout play-off first leg against Real Madrid in Lisbon.

The February 17 match was paused for ten minutes after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr reported racial abuse to the referee, directing attention to Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni during a tense on-field exchange.

In a statement, Benfica confirmed the disciplinary action, saying the club had suspended the memberships of five fans, following an internal investigation into inappropriate behavior of a racist nature during the game. The club noted this conduct violated its values and principles.

“Benfica reaffirms that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act decisively when behavior undermines the club’s values,” the statement read.

During the match, Vinicius scored to put Real Madrid ahead and was booked after celebrating in front of the home supporters. Broadcast footage appeared to show fans making racist gestures toward him. After confronting Prestianni, Vinicius walked off the pitch, accompanied by several teammates, to alert the referee. Later, an object thrown from the stands struck Vinicius as he prepared for a corner.

Benfica manager José Mourinho criticized Vinicius post-match, claiming the Brazilian’s celebration had provoked the crowd. Prestianni received a provisional one-match ban from UEFA, missing the return leg, in which Real Madrid won 2-1 at the Bernabeu, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory. Vinicius scored again but faced boos from parts of the traveling support.

On Thursday, Benfica denied reports that Prestianni had admitted to teammates or officials that he directed a racist insult at Vinicius, emphasizing that no such confession occurred.