UEFA has fined Benfica €40,000 for racist or discriminatory behaviour by their fans during a UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid last month.
The governing body also gave other fines. Benfica must pay €25,000 after fans threw objects during the game. They also received an €8,000 fine for the use of a laser pointer. Assistant coach Pedro Machado has been banned for one match due to unsporting conduct.
Real Madrid won the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon. But the game on February 17 drew attention for another reason. Vinicius Junior said that Gianluca Prestianni used a racist slur against him. The player and the club denied the claim.
UEFA started an investigation after the incident. Prestianni was provisionally suspended for the second leg in Madrid. In that match, Real Madrid won 2-1 and secured a 3-1 win on aggregate.
UEFA also gave a further order to Benfica. Part of their stadium will be closed for one home match. This decision will stay on hold for one year under a probation period.
