Benfica have suspended five fans after an investigation found they engaged in behavior of a “racist nature” during last week’s home match against Real Madrid.
The Portuguese club confirmed disciplinary measures were taken, which could lead to permanent bans for the supporters.
A few Benfica fans were reportedly seen making monkey gestures from the stands following the game at the Stadium of Light.
"Benfica has suspended the memberships of five members following disciplinary proceedings that led to the maximum sanction under club statutes – expulsion," the club said in a statement.
"An internal investigation following the February 17 match against Real Madrid found inappropriate behavior of a racist nature, completely incompatible with the values and principles that guide our club.
"Benfica reaffirms that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act decisively when behavior undermines club values."
The first leg of the Champions League playoff was halted for nearly ten minutes after the referee activated the anti-racism protocol following an allegation from Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior that he had been racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
Prestianni has denied the accusations, with Benfica defending him and claiming he was targeted by a “defamation campaign.”
Benfica head coach José Mourinho also faced criticism for suggesting that Vinícius’ corner flag celebration sparked a confrontation involving Prestianni and other players.
Real Madrid won the first leg 1-0 and went on to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory in the return match at the Bernabéu, with Vinícius scoring in both games.
Over 3,000 Benfica fans at the Bernabéu jeered Vinícius every time he touched the ball and booed loudly when his name was announced in the starting lineup.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Wolves move past Premier League record-low points total with win over Aston Villa
Wolves surpassed Derby’s record-low Premier League points tally as they defeated Aston Villa 2-0 at Molineux, delivering a blow to Villa’s top-four hopes.
For much of the season, Wolves appeared on course to match Derby’s 11-point low from 2007/08. However, second-half goals from João Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes gave them a second win in 29 games, taking their total to 13 points and lifting them off the bottom of the record books.
The win was made sweeter as it came against local rivals Aston Villa, who have struggled at Molineux in recent years. Manager Unai Emery’s side put in a poor display, further damaging their Champions League qualification hopes.
Villa had been in contention in January, but just one win from their last five matches has left them falling out of the race and looking over their shoulder at the chasing pack.
Despite Wolves’ lowly position, Villa started the game strongest and created several chances early on. Morgan Rogers’ ball found Ollie Watkins in the sixth minute, but his shot was blocked by Yerson Mosquera. From the resulting corner, Pau Torres failed to connect cleanly with a header.
Goalkeeper José Sá faced his first real test in the 17th minute when Douglas Luiz struck a volley from Matty Cash’s cross, but it was easily saved.
Villa’s early promise faded, and Wolves capitalized just after the hour mark with their first shot on target. Jackson Tchatchoua found space in midfield to deliver a cross that Adam Armstrong laid off for João Gomes to power into the roof of the net.
Villa continued to search for a reply but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Ian Maatsen fired straight at Sá, and Amadou Onana’s stoppage-time effort was cleared off the line by Mosquera.
Wolves sealed the victory with a late breakaway goal, Rodrigo Gomes converting from 12 yards. While this result does little to change the outcome of Wolves’ season, celebrations erupted at Molineux, with Emery visibly frustrated as he left the pitch.
