UEFA sanctions Benfica For Fan Behaviour During Real Madrid Game

European soccer’s governing body UEFA said it has fined Benfica €40 000 ($46 250) for “racist and/or discriminatory behaviour” by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid last month.

Additional penalties imposed for fan actions included a fine of €25 000 for throwing objects during the match and one of €8 000 for using a laser pointer. Assistant coach Pedro Machado was also suspended for one game for unsporting conduct.

Real won the first-leg tie 1-0 in Lisbon, but the 17 February match was overshadowed by Vinicius Jr accusing Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of directing a racist slur at him – an allegation denied by the player and the Portuguese club.

UEFA opened an investigation into the incident and provisionally suspended Prestianni for the return leg in Madrid the following week, which Real won 2-1 to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory.

The disciplinary action on Wednesday also included an order – suspended for a one-year probationary period – to partially close Benfica’s stadium for a home game.