UEFA has fined Real Madrid €15,000 and imposed a suspended partial stadium closure after a supporter performed a Nazi salute before the club's Champions League match against Benfica. The incident occurred at the Santiago Bernabéu, where the fan was quickly ejected by security. The sanction highlights ongoing concerns about discriminatory behavior in football.
On February 25, 2026, before Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League play-off second-leg victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, a supporter in the Grada Fans section of the lower south stand made a Nazi salute, as captured by television cameras. Security staff identified and ejected the individual from the stadium shortly after the footage aired.
UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body announced the sanctions on March 6, 2026, fining the club €15,000 and ordering the partial closure of 500 adjacent seats in the lower south stand for the next UEFA home match. This closure is suspended for a one-year probationary period, meaning Real Madrid can host Manchester City at full capacity on March 11, 2026, in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, provided no similar incident occurs.
Real Madrid responded swiftly, initiating disciplinary proceedings for the supporter's expulsion and issuing a statement: "Real Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and in society." The club emphasized its opposition to such behavior.
The incident unfolded amid heightened sensitivity to racism at the Bernabéu. Fans displayed a large "No to racism" banner during the match, in support of forward Vinícius Júnior, who accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse in the first leg. Prestianni denies the allegations and received a one-game provisional suspension from UEFA, which described it as "without prejudice" while investigating.
Performing a Nazi salute is not a criminal offense in Spain unless linked to other hate crime elements, though it drew widespread condemnation. The sanctions underscore UEFA's efforts to combat discriminatory conduct in European football competitions.
