Benfica Suspends Supporters Over Racist Incidents
Benfica, playing at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, announced the suspension of five supporters due to behaviour "of a racist nature" during the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off against Real Madrid earlier this month.
The match in Lisbon was halted for 10 minutes after Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr reported to the referee that he had been racially abused by Benfica's Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni, who has denied the allegations.
"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 club's statutes, which is expulsion," the Portuguese club stated.
"An internal investigation initiated after the match between Benfica and Real Madrid, held on 17 February, and 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 Jr scored to give Real Madrid the lead but was booked for an excessive celebration in front of Benfica supporters. Television footage showed some fans seemingly making racist gestures directed at the player.
Following an exchange with Prestianni, Vinicius approached the referee, gesturing towards the Argentine player before leaving the pitch accompanied by his teammates.
When play resumed, an object was thrown from the crowd, striking Vinicius on the arm as he was preparing to take a corner kick.
After the match, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho commented on the incident, stating that Vinicius had acted disrespectfully and incited the crowd.
"Vinicius had acted disrespectfully and incited the crowd," Mourinho said.
These remarks were met with criticism from former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf and others.
UEFA issued a provisional one-match ban to Prestianni, causing him to miss the return leg on Wednesday, which Real Madrid won 2-1, advancing 3-1 on aggregate.
Vinicius, who scored again at the Santiago Bernabeu, was booed by the away supporters during the return match.
On Thursday, Benfica released a statement denying claims that Prestianni had admitted to the squad or club officials that he had used a racist insult towards Vinicius.
