Benfica suspend five supporters for racist behaviour in Real Madrid match

Benfica have suspended five supporters for racist behaviour during their Champions League play-off first-leg defeat to Real Madrid earlier this month.

Vinicius Junior was booked by referee Francois Letexier after putting Real ahead for what was deemed an excessive celebration in front of the Benfica fans and footage showed some supporters appearing to make racist gestures towards him.

Shortly afterwards play was suspended for 10 minutes after the Brazilian alleged to the referee he had been racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who denies the claims.

Benfica said in a statement they had “suspended five members and cancelled their respective red passes following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings which may lead to the application of the maximum sanction provided for in the statutes: expulsion”.

They added: “The opening of these disciplinary proceedings results from the internal inquiry triggered following the match between Benfica and Real Madrid, held on February 17th, and the adoption of 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 behaviours that undermine the values ​​of the club, sport and society are involved.”

Prestianni, who is under investigation, missed last week’s second leg in Madrid, in which the hosts completed a 3-1 aggregate win, after being provisionally suspended by UEFA.

What he said to Vinicius is disputed, with Prestianni vehemently denying using racist language. The Argentinian’s mouth was covered when he appeared to say something to Vinicius.