UEFA Punishes Benfica with Fine for Discriminatory Fan Conduct in UCL Match

Benfica receive UEFA fine for supporter racism in Champions League tie against Real Madrid

European football governing body UEFA has fined Portuguese club Benfica 40,000 euros ($46,250) for racist and/or discriminatory behaviour by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid last month.

Benfica handed a €40,000 fine by UEFA following reports of racist behaviour from their fans during the home Champions League match against...

UEFA has slapped Benfica with a 40,000 euro fine ($46,250) for racist and discriminatory behavior by their fans during the Champions League match against Real Madrid last month. The match, which Real Madrid won 1-0 in Lisbon, was marred by controversy after Vinicius Jr accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of directing a racist slur at him - an allegation denied by the player and the club.

In addition to the fine, Benfica was also hit with a 25,000 euro penalty for objects thrown during the match and an 8,000 euro fine for the use of a laser pointer. Assistant coach Pedro Machado received a one-game suspension for unsporting conduct. UEFA has also ordered a partial closure of Benfica's stadium, suspended for a one-year probationary period.

Real Madrid won the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon, but the match was marred by controversy as Vinicius Jr accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of making a racist comment towards him. The incident happened after Vinicius scored and celebrated in front of the Benfica fans, prompting Prestianni to confront him. The game was halted for nearly 10 minutes as Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to the referee.

Prestianni has denied the allegations, claiming Vinicius misunderstood what he said. Benfica has also backed their player, suggesting Vinicius was provoked and that Real Madrid players were too far away to have heard the alleged insult. UEFA has launched an investigation and provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match.

UEFA launched an investigation into the incident and temporarily suspended Prestianni for the return leg in Madrid. Real Madrid went on to win 2-1, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory.

This is so disgusting. You don't need any more proof. Vinicius got punished with a yellow card for dancing infront of these racist people.

And by the way, Benfica today said they won't carry out any investigation about the racist fans in their stadium.pic.twitter.com/1nbud0rlKo

— LBW (@losblancoswrld) February 19, 2026

The disciplinary action also included a suspended order to partially close Benfica's stadium for a home game, with a one-year probationary period. Additionally, Benfica was fined 40,000 euros for “illicit chants and gestures by two supporters.”