Benfica fined by UEFA for racial abuse by fans against Real Madrid

SL Benfica`s Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni hides his mouth while arguing with Real Madrid`s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior who complained about alleged racists insults during the UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off first leg football match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Pic/AFP

Benfica was fined by UEFA on Wednesday for racist abuse by fans at a Champions League game against Real Madrid, whose forward Vinicius Junior was allegedly racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni.

UEFA's investigation of Prestianni is ongoing, and the verdict on a separate charge against Benfica for misconduct by fans at the Feb. 17 game in Lisbon was published Wednesday. Benfica was fined 40,000 euros ($46,000) for "illicit chants and gestures by two supporters," UEFA said. The club must serve a one-year probation period to avoid closing part of the Stadium of Light at a future European competition game. Benfica previously suspended five fans who were under investigation for "inappropriate behavior in the stands of a racist nature."

Television images showed some fans making monkey gestures after Madrid's 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoffs round. The game was stopped for nearly 10 minutes when Vinicius told the referee that Prestianni called him "monkey" after he scored and celebrated in front of Benfica fans. Prestianni, who denied the allegation, pulled up his jersey to cover his mouth when the alleged insult was said. The Argentina winger was suspended by UEFA from the second leg in Madrid while he was under investigation. He faces a 10-game ban from UEFA competition games.

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