Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior reacts during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Getafe in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo) UEFA has fined Spanish soccer club Real Madrid 15,000 euros ($17,000) after one of the club’s supporters gave a Nazi salute before a recent UEFA Champions League match against Benfica. The governing body also imposed a partial closure of the 500-seater Santiago Bernabéu, which was suspended for one year.UEFA said the action was taken following an incident before the second leg of the play-off round between the two sides on 25 February. The disciplinary committee punished Madrid “for the racist and/or discriminatory behavior of its supporters”, according to a statement issued by European football’s governing body.The incident took place before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Benfica. The Spanish club later said the fan involved had been identified and removed from the stadium.“Real Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and society,” the club said at the time.A week before the Bernabéu incident, Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior claimed he was racially abused by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni denied the allegations.Real Madrid also removed a supporter who was caught on camera giving a Nazi salute before the match started. The first part of the tie also featured an alleged racist incident involving Vinicius and Prestianni.Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League round of 16, where they will face Manchester City.
