A Nazi salute from one of the Real Madrid fans resulted in a fine and a sanction imposed by UEFA on the Spanish club. The Merengue side risks having to partially close the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium during one of their matches.

UEFA sanctions Real Madrid for racist incident at Santiago Bernabéu

The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has imposed sanctions on Real Madrid CF following the behaviour of a supporter during a UEFA Champions League match against S.L. Benfica. As part of the punishment, UEFA ordered the partial closure of the Santiago Bernabéu during one of the club’s future European matches. The sanction applies to 500 seats located in the lower section of the stadium’s South Stand.

UEFA’s intervention was triggered by an incident that occurred before the start of the return leg between Real Madrid and Benfica. Television cameras captured a supporter from the so-called Grada Fan section performing a Nazi salute. Stadium security reacted immediately after noticing the situation. Club stewards quickly located the individual responsible, identified him and removed him from the stadium before the opening whistle of the match. Despite the organiser’s immediate response, UEFA decided to impose disciplinary sanctions.

However, the decision is conditional. This means the closure of the designated seats will only be enforced if a similar incident occurs again within a one-year probationary period starting from the date of UEFA’s decision. In addition to the stadium sanction, the club was also fined €15,000.

© Madrid1902

Anti-racism banner displayed during match at Santiago Bernabéu

Following the incident, the club released an official statement strongly condemning the supporter’s behaviour. In its message, Real Madrid CF emphasised that any gestures or statements promoting hatred, violence or discrimination are contrary to both the values of sport and those of the club itself. The club also stressed that it firmly opposes all forms of racism, both in sport and in society.

Notably, the incident occurred during a match in which Real Madrid supporters displayed a banner reading No al racismo (No to racism). The banner was meant as a show of support for Vinícius Júnior following previous racist incidents in European football. It also served as a response to events that occurred during the first leg played at Estádio da Luz, where controversial situations related to racist behaviour in the stands had been reported.