Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior reacts during the Spanish League soccer match between Real Madrid and Getafe in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo)
The European Football Association imposed a fine on Spanish football club Real Madrid of 15,000 euros ($17,000) after one of the club’s fans performed a Nazi salute before his team’s last Champions League match against Benfica. The governing body also imposed a partial closure of the 500-seat stadium at the Santiago Bernabéu, suspending it for one year.UEFA said the measure was taken after an incident that occurred before the second leg of the playoff round between the two teams on February 25. The Disciplinary Board punished Real Madrid “due to the racist and/or discriminatory behavior of its fans,” according to a statement issued by UEFA.The incident occurred before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Benfica. The Spanish club later said that the fan involved had been identified and was removed from the stadium.
The club said at the time: “Real Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sports and society.”A week before the incident at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior claimed he was subjected to racist abuse by Benfica player Gianluca Pristiani. Prestiani denied the allegation.Real Madrid also removed the fan who was caught on camera giving the Nazi salute before the match started. The first leg also witnessed an alleged racist incident involving Vinicius and Priestiani.Real Madrid has qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League, where it will face Manchester City.