Benfica suspends five of its supporters after the events of the Champions League

Benfica said it suspended five of its fans for behavior of a “racist nature” during the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against Real Madrid this month.

Play was stopped in Lisbon for 10 minutes after Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior informed the referee that he had been subjected to racist chants from Benfica’s Argentine winger, Gianluca Pristiani, who denied the allegations.

The Portuguese club said in a statement, “Benfica informed that it had suspended the membership of five members after initiating disciplinary procedures that led to the application of the maximum penalty stipulated in the club’s statute, which is expulsion.”

“An internal investigation was opened after the match between Benfica and Real Madrid, which was held on February 17, and the adoption of inappropriate behavior in the stands, of a racist nature, that contradicts the values ​​and principles that govern the club.

“Benfica reiterates that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act resolutely when behaviors undermine the club’s values.”

Vinicius had put the visiting team ahead in the match, but was booked for excessive celebration in front of Benfica fans.

Television footage showed some fans making racist gestures directed at the player.

After exchanging a conversation with Pristiani, he ran towards the referee and pointed to the Argentine player before leaving the field, followed by his teammates.

When play resumed, an object was thrown from the crowd and hit Vinicius’ arm as he prepared to take a corner kick.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said after the match that Vinicius behaved disrespectfully and incited the fans.

These comments were criticized by former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf and others.

Pristiani was banned for one match by UEFA and missed the second leg on Wednesday, which Real Madrid won 2-1 to advance 3-1 on aggregate.

Vinicius, who scored again at the Bernabéu, was booed by the visiting team’s fans.

On Thursday, Benfica issued a statement denying allegations that Pristiani had informed the team or club officials that he had racially insulted Vinicius.