Benfica have suspended five supporters after incidents described by the club as involving racist conduct during their Champions League knockout play-off first leg against Real Madrid earlier this month.
The match in Lisbon was halted for approximately 10 minutes after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr alerted the referee to alleged racial abuse. The Brazilian claimed he had been targeted following an on-field exchange with Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni, who has denied making any racist remark.
In an official statement, the Portuguese side confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had resulted in the most severe penalty available under club regulations expulsion of membership for the five individuals involved.
Benfica explained that an internal review was launched after the fixture on 17 February, citing inappropriate and discriminatory behaviour from sections of the crowd that contradicted the club’s principles. The statement stressed that the club maintains a zero-tolerance stance on racism and discrimination and pledged firm action against any conduct that damages its values.
Vinicius had opened the scoring for Real Madrid but was shown a yellow card after celebrating in front of home supporters. Broadcast footage appeared to show some spectators making gestures directed at the player.
Following a brief confrontation with Prestianni, Vinicius approached the referee and indicated toward the Argentine before leaving the pitch, with several team-mates accompanying him. Play later resumed, though an object thrown from the stands struck the Brazilian on the arm as he prepared to take a corner kick.
After the match, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho criticised Vinicius, suggesting the forward’s behaviour had provoked the crowd. Those remarks drew backlash, including from former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf.
UEFA subsequently handed Prestianni a provisional one-match suspension, ruling him out of the return leg. Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory in the second fixture at the Bernabeu, advancing 3-1 on aggregate, with Vinicius again on the scoresheet. He was met with boos from the travelling supporters during the match.
Benfica later issued another statement rejecting claims that Prestianni had admitted to team-mates or club officials that he had used a racist insult toward Vinicius.
