Benfica fined by UEFA for racial abuse by fans against Real Madrid
Updated On: 27 March, 2026 08:56 AM IST | Nyon (Switzerland) | AP
Television images showed some fans making monkey gestures after Madrid's 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoffs round.

SL Benfica's Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni hides his mouth while arguing with Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior who complained about alleged racists insults during the UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off first leg football match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Pic/AFP
Benfica was fined by UEFA on Wednesday for racist abuse by fans at a Champions League game against Real Madrid, whose forward Vinicius Junior was allegedly racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni.
UEFA's investigation of Prestianni is ongoing, and the verdict on a separate charge against Benfica for misconduct by fans at the Feb. 17 game in Lisbon was published Wednesday. Benfica was fined 40,000 euros ($46,000) for "illicit chants and gestures by two supporters," UEFA said. The club must serve a one-year probation period to avoid closing part of the Stadium of Light at a future European competition game. Benfica previously suspended five fans who were under investigation for "inappropriate behavior in the stands of a racist nature."

