UEFA have taken disciplinary action against Portuguese side Benfica following incidents involving Vinicius Jr. during their UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
The controversy comes from the Round of 16 first-leg encounter held at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on February 17 – a match that was overshadowed by unacceptable behaviour from sections of the home crowd.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has now delivered its verdict, imposing financial penalties and conditional sanctions on the Portuguese club.
What’s the fine?
As per Mundo Deportivo, Benfica have been fined €40,000 for what UEFA described as “unlawful chants and gestures” directed at Vinicius Jr. during the match.
The club has also been ordered to pay an additional €25,000 due to objects being thrown from the stands.
Furthermore, UEFA have introduced a suspended stadium sanction. This means a section of the Estadio da Luz, specifically 500 seats located in sections 10 and 11 of the south stand, has been ordered closed.
Vinicius suffered a lot against Benfica. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
However, this closure will only be enforced if similar incidents occur within the next year, effectively placing Benfica under a one-year probation period.
There is more
Benfica assistant coach Pedro Luis Ferreira Machado has also been handed a one-match suspension in UEFA competitions for what has been described as “unsporting conduct” during the same fixture.
The match itself was marred by disturbing scenes, with television footage appearing to show certain supporters making racist gestures following Real Madrid’s victory.
Benfica have already taken internal action, suspending five fans under investigation for behaviour of a racist nature.
Meanwhile, UEFA’s investigation is still ongoing regarding an alleged incident involving Gianluca Prestianni.
The winger is accused of directing a racist remark towards Vincius, which led to the match being temporarily halted for nearly 10 minutes after the Brazilian reported the incident to the referee.