Real Madrid fan banned after making Nazi salute during Champions League clash
Real Madrid and Benfica’s Champions League play-off matches have been marred by controversy, but the La Liga giants took swift action against a fan on Wednesday night
Real Madrid have banned a fan who made a ‘Nazi salute’ ahead of last night’s clash with Benfica. The La Liga giants quickly identified the culprit and removed him from the Bernabeu, and are now taking further action to expel the fan.
Real progressed to the last-16 of the Champions League after coming from behind in Spain’s capital to secure a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior. Rafa Silva had given Benfica hope, but Los Blancos emerged as 3-1 victors over two legs.
But the win was marred by a hateful act from the stands caught on camera. As many supporters raised scarves aloft, one fan repeatedly made a fascist salute.
Real Madrid said in a statement: “Real Madrid CF announces that it has urgently requested the club’s Disciplinary Committee to initiate immediate expulsion proceedings against the member who was caught on television cameras making the Nazi salute in the area where the Supporters’ Stand is located, moments before the start of the match between Real Madrid and Benfica.
“This member was located by club security personnel moments after he appeared on the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
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“Real Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and in society.”
It was only the latest controversy to mar the Champions League meeting, however. The first leg clash in Benfica saw Vinicius Jr allege that he had been racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni.
The midfielder, who denies the allegation, was handed a one‑game ban that saw him miss the match in Spain. Following confirmation of that decision, Prestianni took to X to lash out before quickly deleting the post.
“Punching someone off the ball is allowed, it’s seen, and there’s no sanction,” he wrote. “Punishing without proof is allowed, it’s seen. They don’t even try to hide it with Real anymore. They’re shameful.”
While speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Real head coach Alvaro Arbeloa urged UEFA to “seize this opportunity” to show it is serious in fighting racism following the alleged abuse suffered by Vinicius. He said: “We are facing a great opportunity to make a significant step forward in the fight against racism.
“UEFA has always been a strong advocate in the fight against racism, and now they have the opportunity not to leave it as just a slogan or a nice banner before matches. I hope they seize this opportunity.”
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