Benfica has suspended five supporters following incidents of racist behavior during the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off against Real Madrid on February 17, 2026. The action comes after an internal investigation into inappropriate conduct in the stands, amid accusations involving player Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior. The Portuguese club emphasized its zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
The Champions League play-off first leg between Benfica and Real Madrid took place in Lisbon on February 17, 2026, ending with a 1-0 victory for the visitors. Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal and celebrated in front of the home fans, earning a yellow card. Shortly after, play was halted for nearly 10 minutes when Vinícius accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a 'monkey' during an exchange on the pitch. Prestianni has denied the racial insult.
Television footage captured some Benfica supporters making monkey gestures toward Vinícius. As play resumed, an object was thrown from the crowd, striking the Brazilian player on the arm while he prepared to take a corner kick. Benfica manager Jose Mourinho commented post-match that Vinícius had acted disrespectfully and incited the crowd, remarks later criticized by former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf.
UEFA provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match, causing him to miss the second leg in Madrid on February 25, 2026, which Real Madrid won 2-1—thanks in part to another goal from Vinícius—advancing 3-1 on aggregate to the round of 16. Vinícius faced boos from Benfica fans during that return fixture.
On February 28, 2026, Benfica announced the suspension of five club members pending disciplinary proceedings that could lead to expulsion. In a statement, the club said: 'An internal investigation initiated after the match... found evidence of inappropriate behaviour in the stands, of a racist nature, incompatible with the values and principles that govern the club.' Benfica added: 'Benfica reaffirms that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act firmly when behaviours undermine the values of the club.' The club also denied reports that Prestianni had admitted to the insult to team officials.
