UEFA has handed down a series of disciplinary measures against Benfica after an investigation confirmed racist behavior during their recent Champions League playoff against Real Madrid.
The fixture, which was notably marred by a confrontation where Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni of using racial slurs, drew international scrutiny.
Following the inquiry, European football’s governing body has mandated a €40,000 fine for the Portuguese club alongside a partial stadium closure, though the latter penalty is suspended for a one-year probationary period.
The financial sanctions against Benfica extend beyond the primary racism charge. The club was fined an additional €8,000 due to fans using laser pointers and €25,000 for supporters throwing objects onto the pitch.
These penalties bring the total financial burden on the club to €73,000 for the single match. Furthermore, assistant coach Pedro Luís Pereira Machado has been issued a one-match suspension for his role in the unsportsmanlike conduct that took place during the heated sideline exchanges.
Benfica responded to the ruling by emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity, noting that they have already revoked the season tickets of five individuals identified as participating in the discriminatory acts.
While the club’s head coach, José Mourinho, had initially questioned the circumstances surrounding the on-field incident, the swift internal actions taken by the club reportedly helped in securing the suspended nature of the stadium closure.
The ruling serves as a stern reminder of UEFA’s zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination as both clubs continue their respective European campaigns.
