Benfica Suspend 5 Supporters Over Racist Abuse Claims
Benfica takes action against supporters allegedly involved in racist abuse of Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during Champions League defeat.
“Benfica informs they have suspended five members and cancelled their red passes following the initiation of disciplinary...”
Benfica has taken action against five of its supporters who allegedly made racist comments during the team's Champions League loss to Real Madrid on February 17. The incident involved alleged racial abuse aimed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, reportedly by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.
The match was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius reported the incident to the referee, triggering UEFA's anti-racism protocol. Prestianni has denied the allegations, claiming Vinicius misinterpreted his words, while Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappe, have supported Vinicius' account.
Vinicius Junior scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in their 2-1 win over Benfica, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory and a spot in the Champions League last 16. The Brazilian forward's goal came in the 80th minute, after which the game was briefly halted due to an alleged racist incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who has denied the allegations.
The match was marked by controversy, with Prestianni being provisionally suspended by UEFA for one match. Real Madrid's win means they will face either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the last 16.
“Benfica informs they have suspended five members and cancelled their red passes following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings which may lead to the maximum sanction provided in the statutes, expulsion,” they said.
“Benfica reaffirm it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act firmly whenever behaviours that undermine the values of the club, sport and society are involved,” the two-time European Cup winners added.
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