UEFA wraps up probe and fines Benfica over €70,000 | OneFootball

In addition to ordering the closure of 500 seats at the Estádio da Luz, with the sanction suspended, for racist and discriminatory behaviour, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body fined Benfica €73,000, according to the decisions released by that body.

As stated in the organisation’s note, €40,000 relates to the aforementioned behaviour by fans during the match against Real Madrid (1-0) on 17 February, which counted as the first leg of the Champions League play-off. UEFA stresses that the closure of the seats is suspended for one year: "If no further similar offence occurs during that period, the measure will not be enforced," the body added.

In addition to the €40,000, there is a further €8,000 due to the use of a laser pointer and €25,000 for throwing objects, which put stadium safety at risk. Vinícius Jr., who accused Prestianni of racially insulting him, was the main target of the Benfica fans. Pedro Machado, José Mourinho’s assistant, was suspended for one match for "unsporting conduct" during the game against Los Blancos.

In practical terms, Benfica escaped a heavier punishment. This is because UEFA valued the swift manner in which the club acted, identifying and suspending the Red Passes of members who imitated monkeys, while also opening disciplinary proceedings against them for possible expulsion from the club. In this way, the consequences were less severe and the punishment lighter.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.