Benfica ban two fans as Vinicius Junior racism storm deepens after Champions League clash

Portuguese giants SL Benfica have taken disciplinary action against supporters following the racism controversy that overshadowed their UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid CF, announcing bans for fans found guilty of abusive conduct directed at Vinícius Júnior.

The Lisbon-based club confirmed that five members have been suspended and stripped of their Red Pass season tickets after an internal investigation linked them to racist behaviour inside the stands during the February 17 encounter at the Estádio da Luz.

The sanctions could ultimately lead to permanent expulsion under Benfica’s statutes, signalling one of the strongest internal responses yet from the club amid mounting scrutiny.

The disciplinary move follows widespread condemnation after the match was halted for nearly ten minutes when Vinícius reported discriminatory abuse shortly after scoring Real Madrid’s decisive goal. UEFA’s anti-racism protocol was activated during the stoppage, underlining the seriousness of the incident that quickly dominated headlines across European football.

In a strongly worded statement, Benfica stressed that the behaviour uncovered during its investigation was incompatible with the institution’s values, reiterating a zero-tolerance stance toward discrimination. The club maintained that it would continue to act firmly against any conduct that undermines respect within sport and society.

The fan sanctions arrive amid a broader investigation into events surrounding the fixture, which also saw Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni provisionally suspended by UEFA over separate allegations of discriminatory remarks toward the Brazilian forward. The player has denied wrongdoing, while European football’s governing body continues disciplinary proceedings.

For Vinícius, the episode represents another chapter in a troubling pattern of racial abuse faced throughout his career, reigniting debate over stadium accountability and enforcement measures across elite competitions.

Benfica’s decision to sanction its own supporters is therefore being viewed as an attempt to shift focus from controversy to responsibility, even as football once again confronts the persistent challenge of racism within its arenas.