Nazi salute costs Real Madrid, UEFA fines fan $17,000 for gesture

UEFA has fined Spanish football club Real Madrid 15,000 euros ($17,000) after a supporter performed a Nazi salute at a recent match. uefa champions league The game against Benfica. The governing body also ordered the Bernabeu stadium to be partially closed with 500 seats for a year.UEFA said the action was taken following an incident before the second leg of the play-off tie between the two sides on February 25. The disciplinary committee punished Madrid “for racist and/or discriminatory behavior by its supporters,” according to a statement released by European football’s body.The incident occurred before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Benfica. The Spanish club later said the supporter involved had been identified and removed from the stadium.“Real Madrid condemns actions and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and society,” the club said at the time.The incident at the Bernabeu comes a week after Madrid striker Vinicius Junior claimed he was racially abused by Benfica player Gianluca Prestani. Prestani denied the accusation.Real Madrid also expelled a supporter who performed a Nazi salute before the game. The first leg also saw an alleged racist incident involving Vinicius and Prestani.Real Madrid advance to the last 16 of the Champions League and will face Manchester City.