The sanction was confirmed Friday by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, which ruled that the Spanish club was responsible for “racist and/or discriminatory behavior” displayed by a fan during the match played at Madrid’s home ground on February 25.
In addition to the monetary penalty, UEFA also handed down a suspended partial stadium closure. The disciplinary measure involves the potential closure of 500 seats for one UEFA club competition match, though the sanction will remain suspended for a one-year probationary period. If a similar incident occurs during that timeframe, the seat closure will automatically be enforced.
Real Madrid previously stated that the supporter involved in the gesture was immediately identified and expelled from the stadium during the game. The club has not publicly commented further since UEFA announced its decision.
The incident occurred during Madrid’s 2–1 victory over Benfica, which helped the Spanish side secure progression from the two-leg playoff to the round of 16 in the competition.
The playoff tie was already overshadowed by allegations of racist conduct in the first leg in Lisbon. Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid was reportedly subjected to racial abuse during that match. Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni was suspended for the return leg after accusations he racially abused the Brazilian forward—claims he has denied.
Separately, Benfica also disciplined five of its supporters for making monkey gestures toward Vinícius following Madrid’s 1–0 win in Lisbon on February 17.
The incidents add to ongoing concerns across European football about racism and discriminatory behavior among supporters, an issue governing bodies such as UEFA have repeatedly pledged to combat through disciplinary sanctions and stadium restrictions.