Real Madrid bans club member over Nazi salute during Benfica match
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Real Madrid has taken strong action against a club member who performed a Nazi salute during their Champions League playoff match against Benfica, which was already marked by allegations of racial abuse aimed at Vinicius Junior. The club promptly expelled the individual after security identified him following TV broadcasts and condemned the gesture as inciting violence and hatred. This incident occurred just days after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni faced suspension over alleged racial remarks directed at Vinicius during the first leg of their match, an issue that has drawn significant attention.
The game, held at Santiago Bernabeu stadium, was a tense affair as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win to advance to the Champions League last 16. Players and coaches expressed solidarity against racism, with midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni calling the victory “a win for everyone against racism.” Vinicius Junior, who scored Madrid’s second goal, celebrated by referencing an anti-racism banner displayed at the stadium, emphasizing the broader societal importance of addressing such issues.
Real Madrid’s response highlights their commitment to tackling discrimination within sports and beyond. The club’s immediate expulsion of the offending member underscores its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment. Meanwhile, Benfica’s appeal against Prestianni’s
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026