UEFA has handed Real Madrid a €15,000 fine following footage that emerged of a fan making a Nazi salute during their Champions League match against Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
The incident occurred during the second leg of the teams’ Champions League play-off on February 25, 2026.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) imposed the sanction following the behaviour of the supporter captured on broadcast footage.
As part of the ruling, UEFA also ordered the partial closure of 500 seats in the lower south stand of the stadium. However, the closure has been suspended for a one-year probationary period.
The disciplinary body said: “To fine Real Madrid C.F. €15,000 and to order the partial closure of Real Madrid C.F. stadium (i.e. 500 adjacent seats of the lower south stand), during the next one (1) UEFA club competition match in which Real Madrid C.F. will play as host club, for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters.
“Said stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”
The sanction comes after Real Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 in the match, although the incident involving the supporter drew attention after the game.
The Spanish club confirmed that the individual involved was quickly identified and removed from the stadium.
In a statement, the club said: “Real Madrid C. F. announces that it has urgently requested the club’s Disciplinary Committee to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure for the member who was caught on television cameras performing the Nazi salute in the area where the Animation Stand is located, moments before the start of the match between Real Madrid and Benfica.”
The club added that security personnel acted immediately after the gesture appeared on broadcast footage.
Real Madrid said, “This member was identified by the club’s security staff moments after appearing on the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”
The club also condemned the gesture, describing it as unacceptable.
It said: “Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society.”
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