Portuguese giants Benfica have expelled five supporters for what the club described as racist behaviour during their Champions League knockout play-off first leg against Real Madrid in Lisbon.
The match on 17 February was halted for 10 minutes after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr complained to the referee that he had been racially abused. The Brazilian gestured towards Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni during a heated exchange.
In a statement, Benfica confirmed the disciplinary action taken against the club’s fans in relation to the racism incident.
The statement reads: “Benfica informed that it has suspended the memberships of five members following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings that led to the application of the maximum sanction stipulated in the club’s statutes, which is expulsion.
“An internal investigation was initiated after the match between Benfica and Real Madrid, held on 17 February, following the adoption of inappropriate behaviour in the stands, of a racist nature, incompatible with the values and principles that govern the club.
“Benfica reaffirms that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act firmly when behaviours undermine the values of the club.”
During the game, Vinicius fired Real Madrid ahead and was booked for celebrating in front of the home supporters. Television pictures appeared to show some fans making racist gestures in his direction.
After confronting Prestianni, Vinicius approached the referee and pointed towards the Argentine before walking off the pitch. Several Real teammates followed him down the tunnel.
When play resumed, an object thrown from the stands struck Vinicius on the arm as he prepared to take a corner.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho criticised the Brazilian after the game, accusing him of inciting the crowd with his celebration.
9news Nigeria reports that Prestianni was later handed a provisional one-match ban by UEFA and missed the return leg on Wednesday. Real Madrid won 2-1 at the Bernabeu to seal a 3-1 aggregate win. Vinicius was again on the scoresheet but faced boos from sections of the travelling support.
On Thursday, Benfica rejected claims that Prestianni had admitted to team-mates or club officials that he had directed a racist insult at Vinicius, insisting no such confession was made.
