Real Madrid Launch Investigation After Fan Filmed Appearing to Make Nazi Salute Before Benfica Match

• Supporter was identified by stadium security and removed from the Bernabéu before kickoff
• Incident comes amid heightened scrutiny over racism following Vinícius Júnior abuse allegation
• Club has requested immediate disciplinary action and potential lifetime expulsion

Real Madrid have launched an internal investigation after a supporter inside the Santiago Bernabéu was filmed appearing to perform a Nazi salute in the moments before Wednesday’s Champions League playoff second leg against Benfica.

The club confirmed that the individual was quickly identified by stadium security staff and ejected from the ground. In a statement, Real Madrid said it had formally requested that its disciplinary committee initiate an immediate expulsion procedure against the supporter.

“Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society,” the statement read.

The incident came during a match played against the backdrop of heightened sensitivity around issues of racism and discrimination. A week earlier, Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during the first leg of the tie in Lisbon. UEFA is currently investigating the allegation.

Prestianni, who denies the claim, was provisionally suspended for one match and did not feature in Wednesday’s return fixture. Real Madrid went on to win 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, with Vinícius scoring the decisive second–half goal to send the Spanish champions into the round of 16.

Before kickoff, Madrid supporters displayed banners condemning racism, while the club later reiterated its zero tolerance stance following the incident in the stands.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas also addressed the broader context, explaining that his organisation continues to log incidents of hate speech, with abuse aimed at Vinícius remaining a central focus.

“He is at the centre because he is the leader in this fight against racism,” Tebas told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit. “There is no excuse for not defending Vinícius against these insults.”

Real Madrid said it would continue to cooperate fully with authorities and football governing bodies to ensure the stadium remains a safe and inclusive environment for all supporters.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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