OFFICIAL: UEFA penalizes Real Madrid ahead of match against Man City

UEFA has imposed a penalty on Real Madrid after a fan engaged in racist behavior during the return leg of the Champions League play-off for entry into the round of 16.

The return leg of the Champions League play-off for entry into the round of 16 between Real Madrid and Benfica was already tense due to prior allegations involving racist remarks between Vinicius and Gianluca Prestianni. However, the disciplinary focus this time shifted to the stands at the Bernabeu, where UEFA took action following an incident captured during live broadcast.

While the match was being broadcast, cameras recorded a fan making a racially discriminatory gesture. Subsequently, UEFA's Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee decided to fine Real Madrid and impose a partial stadium closure, albeit suspended.

In the official statement, UEFA stated: “Fine Real Madrid €15,000 and require a partial closure of Real Madrid's stadium (specifically 500 adjacent seats in the lower tier of the south stand) for the next UEFA club competition match where Real Madrid is the host, due to racist and/or discriminatory behavior by fans. However, this stadium closure penalty is suspended for a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the decision.”

Since the penalty is suspended, Real Madrid can still open the stadium to full capacity when hosting Man City in the Champions League round of 16 first leg. The stadium closure will only be enforced if another similar discriminatory incident occurs within the next year.

The incident sparked considerable controversy, as it occurred precisely when players were entering the field and fans were displaying banners “No to Racism” to show support for Vinicius following recent allegations made by the Brazilian player against Prestianni from Benfica.

Real Madrid also promptly distanced itself from the individual's actions. Security personnel at the Bernabeu identified the fan and ejected him from the stadium shortly after the image appeared on broadcast.

In the official statement, Real Madrid stated: “Real Madrid announces that the club urgently requested its disciplinary committee to initiate immediate expulsion procedures against the member captured by broadcast cameras engaging in the aforementioned behavior. This individual was identified by club security minutes after appearing on broadcast and was immediately expelled from the stadium.”

The Spanish Royal Club also emphasized its stance: “Real Madrid strongly condemns gestures and actions that incite violence and hatred in sports and in society.”