Portuguese club SL Benfica has announced the suspension of five individuals following racist and inappropriate conduct in the stands during its UEFA Champions League playoff first-leg match against Real Madrid.
In an official statement, Benfica stressed that such behavior is completely incompatible with the club’s values and principles.
The disciplinary measures follow an internal investigation launched after the February 17 encounter in Lisbon, part of the playoff round leading to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.
The club confirmed that unacceptable racist conduct had been identified in sections of the stadium, prompting immediate action.
Separately, Benfica denied reports that Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni admitted to racially insulting Vinícius Júnior during the same match.
Earlier, UEFA announced that its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body had imposed a provisional one-match suspension on Prestianni for a potential violation of Article 14 of its disciplinary regulations, which addresses racist behavior.
Benfica reiterated that it rejects all forms of racism and discrimination and affirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with UEFA’s ongoing investigation.
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