Uefa fine Benfica and issue partial stadium closure over racism incidents
Uefa has fined Benfica €40,000 and handed the club a suspended partial stadium closure following racist behaviour by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid last month.
The Portuguese side faced a formal investigation after multiple unsavoury incidents marred the play-off round tie.
During the fiery encounter, Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr accused opposing winger Gianluca Prestianni of using discriminatory language.
European football’s governing body has now confirmed widespread disciplinary action against the Lisbon outfit.
Financial penalties and stadium sanctions
A comprehensive statement from Uefa detailed charges including the throwing of objects, the use of laser pointers, and illicit chants by spectators.
The Eagles have been ordered to close a 500-seat section of the Estadio da Luz for their next home European fixture.
However, this partial closure remains suspended for a probationary period of one year.
Additional financial penalties include an €8,000 charge for the use of laser pointers and €25,000 for thrown objects.
Assistant coach Pedro Luis Ferreira Machado has also been handed a one-match touchline suspension for unsporting conduct.
Managerial response and player disputes
The Spanish giants ultimately progressed from the two-legged tie with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho faced criticism for his handling of the alleged racial abuse on the pitch.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss revealed he spoke directly to the Real Madrid star regarding his goal celebrations and the subsequent altercation.
“I told him, when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back,” Mourinho stated.
“They told me different things, but I don’t believe in one or another; I want to be an independent.”
“When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black, and the last thing this club is, is racist.”
Reports later emerged suggesting Prestianni confessed to teammates about using a racial slur, an allegation the Portuguese club has vehemently denied.
