Benfica say they’ve suspended 5 supporters for behaviour “of a racist nature” through the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off in opposition to Actual Madrid this month.
Play in Lisbon was suspended for 10 minutes after Actual Madrid’s Vinicius Jr by Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni, who denies the claims.
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“Benfica knowledgeable that it has suspended the memberships of 5 members following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings that led to the appliance of the utmost sanction stipulated in membership’s statutes, which is expulsion,” the Portuguese membership stated in a press release.
“An inside investigation initiated after the match between Benfica and Actual Madrid, held on 17 February, and the adoption of inappropriate behaviour within the stands, of a racist nature, incompatible with the values and ideas that govern the membership.
“Benfica reaffirms that it doesn’t tolerate any type of discrimination or racism and can proceed to behave firmly when behaviours undermine the values of the membership.”
Vinicius had put the guests forward within the recreation however was booked for an extreme celebration in entrance of Benfica supporters.
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Tv footage confirmed some followers showing to make racist gestures aimed on the participant.
After an change with Prestianni he ran over to the referee, gesturing within the course of the Argentina participant earlier than strolling off the pitch, adopted by his team-mates.
When play resumed, an object was thrown from the gang that struck Vinicius on the arm as he ready to take a nook.
Talking after the sport, Benfica supervisor Jose Mourinho stated Vinicius had acted disrespectfully and incited the gang.
These feedback had been criticised by former Actual midfielder Clarence Seedorf amongst others.
Prestianni was handed a by Uefa and missed Wednesday’s return leg, which Actual gained 2-1 to .
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Vinicius, who scored once more on the Bernabeu, was booed by the away supporters.
On Thursday, Benfica issued a press release denying a declare that Prestianni had informed the squad or membership officers that he had uttered a racist insult to Vinicius.