Real Madrid secured qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday after completing a 3-1 aggregate win over Benfica. However, the second leg at the Bernabéu, which Los Blancos won 2-1, was marred by an unfortunate incident that was captured on live television.
Before kick-off at the Bernabéu, TV cameras showed a Real Madrid supporter appearing to perform a Nazi salute. Security staff were alerted immediately, and the individual was removed from the stadium, as the club later confirmed. Real Madrid also announced that they are taking steps to permanently expel the supporter.
“Real Madrid C. F. informs that it has urgently requested the club’s Disciplinary Committee to open an immediate expulsion process against the member who was recorded by television cameras making a Nazi salute in the area of the Cheering Stand shortly before the match between Real Madrid and Benfica began.
“This individual was identified by the club’s security team moments after appearing on the broadcast and was promptly removed from the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real Madrid strongly condemns any gesture or expression that promotes violence and hatred in sport and in society.”
Further incidents took place outside Bernabeu
Additional flashpoints occurred outside the stadium ahead of kick-off. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Real Madrid supporters making Nazi salutes and chanting fascist songs. At the same time, Benfica fans were involved in clashes with local police.
The match had already been surrounded by controversy following allegations of racist abuse last week involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior. Real Madrid have strongly defended their player over the past eight days, and their swift response in this latest incident has been welcomed as an important step toward ensuring firm punishment for the supporter involved.
