Benfica was fined by UEFA on Wednesday for racist abuse by fans during a Champions League match against Real Madrid, whose striker Vinícius Júnior was allegedly racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni.
UEFA’s investigation into Prestianni is ongoing and the verdict on a separate charge against Benfica over fan misconduct during the February 17 match in Lisbon was published on Wednesday.
Benfica was fined 40,000 euros ($46,000) for “illegal chants and gestures by two supporters,” UEFA said. The club must serve a one-year probationary period to prevent part of the Stadium of Light from being closed in a future European competition match.
Benfica previously suspended five fans who were under investigation for ‘inappropriate behavior in the stands of a racist nature’ fhga.
Television footage showed fans making monkey gestures after Madrid’s 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-offs.
The match was stopped for almost ten minutes when Vinícius told the referee that Prestianni called him «monkey» after scoring and celebrating in front of Benfica fans.
Prestianni, who denied the accusation, pulled up his jersey to cover his mouth when the alleged insult was said.
The Argentina winger was suspended by UEFA for the second leg in Madrid while he was under investigation. He faces a 10-match ban from UEFA competition matches.
Published on March 26, 2026
