Overview
- UEFA, which published its verdict Wednesday, fined Benfica €40,000 for racist behavior by supporters and ordered a 500-seat partial closure on one-year probation.
- The club also received €8,000 for laser use and €25,000 for objects thrown, and assistant coach Pedro Luis Ferreira Machado was banned for one UEFA game for unsporting conduct.
- During the February 17 match in Lisbon, play stopped for nearly 10 minutes after Vinícius reported being called “monkey,” and TV cameras captured fans making monkey gestures.
- Prestianni denied using a slur and covered his mouth during the exchange, and UEFA’s investigation continues after a provisional suspension kept him out of the second leg with a possible 10-game ban if the case is proven.
- Benfica said it suspended five identified supporters under internal discipline, and Real Madrid advanced 3-1 on aggregate after winning both legs of the tie.