Benfica suspends five fans for acts of ‘a racist nature’ in Real Madrid game

Benfica has suspended five club members for acts of “a racist nature” during their Champions League home match against Real Madrid on February 17.

The Portuguese club say the fans have been suspended and had their membership passes cancelled while disciplinary proceedings were ongoing, which may result in their permanent bans from Benfica matches.

Vinicius Junior alleged that he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg of the Champions League play-off last week. Prestianni has denied racially abusing the Brazilian forward.

On Friday, Benfica announced the suspension of five members’ ‘red passes’ — which grants them access to all the club’s home games — after what it says was “inappropriate behaviours 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 whenever behaviors that undermine the values ​​of the club, sport, and society are involved,” the statement continued.

The match in Lisbon was stopped for around eight minutes after Vinicius Jr, 25, alleged that Prestianni, 20, had racially abused him following the Brazilian’s second-half goal. After speaking to Vinicius Jr, referee Francois Letexier signalled the start of FIFA’s racial abuse protocol by crossing his wrists above his head.

The following day, UEFA — European football’s governing body, which organises the Champions League — confirmed it would be opening an investigation into the alleged offence, which carries a minimum suspension length of 10 games if proven.

Prestianni was provisionally suspended “without prejudice” by UEFA for one match, meaning he missed Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid, which the Spanish side won 2-1 to advance 3-1 on aggregate.