Scandal in the Champions League
Real Madrid throws fan out of stadium after Nazi salute
Updated February 26, 2026 – 9:45 a.mReading time: 1 min.
A Real Madrid fan gives the Hitler salute during the game against Benfica Lisbon and is removed from the stadium. Now he faces further consequences.
Real Madrid have expelled a “socio” – an official, paying member of the club – from the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu for giving the Nazi salute during the second leg against Benfica. The incident occurred after racial tensions broke out surrounding player Vinícius Júnior in the first leg.
Television cameras filmed the supporter giving the Hitler salute in the fan zone. Security forces identified him and took him out of the stadium. Real Madrid announced that it would initiate proceedings to exclude the member. A statement from the club said: “Real Madrid condemns such gestures and statements that incite violence and hatred in sport and in society.”
The game against Benfica Lisbon was already marked by racial tensions. Real attacker Vinícius Júnior is said to have been racially insulted by opponent Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg in Lisbon, which led to his provisional ban by UEFA.
In the second leg, Madrid fans displayed a banner reading “no al racismo” (“No to racism”), while Vinícius was booed by Benfica supporters when he touched the ball. Despite the tension, the Brazilian scored again, like in the first leg.
