Benfica suspends five fans over racist incidents

Benfica say they have suspended five supporters for behaviour "of a racist nature" during the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off against Real Madrid this month.

Play in Lisbon was suspended for 10 minutes after Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr told the referee that he had been racially abused by Benfica's Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni, who denies the claims.

"Benfica informed that it has suspended the memberships of five members following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings that led to the application of the maximum sanction stipulated in club's statutes, which is expulsion," the Portuguese club said in a statement.

"An internal investigation initiated after the match between Benfica and Real Madrid, held on 17 February, and the adoption of inappropriate behaviour in the stands, of a racist nature, incompatible with the values and principles that govern the club.

"Benfica reaffirms that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act firmly when behaviours undermine the values of the club."

Vinicius had put the visitors ahead in the game but was booked for an excessive celebration in front of Benfica supporters.

Television footage showed some fans appearing to make racist gestures aimed at the player.

After an exchange with Prestianni he ran over to the referee, gesturing in the direction of the Argentina player before walking off the pitch, followed by his team-mates.

When play resumed, an object was thrown from the crowd that struck Vinicius on the arm as he prepared to take a corner.

Speaking after the game, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho said Vinicius had acted disrespectfully and incited the crowd.

Those comments were criticised by former Real midfielder Clarence Seedorf among others.

Prestianni was handed a provisional one-match ban by Uefa and missed Wednesday's return leg, which Real won 2-1 to go through 3-1 on aggregate.

Vinicius, who scored again at the Bernabeu, was booed by the away supporters.

On Thursday, Benfica issued a statement denying a claim that Prestianni had told the squad or club officials that he had uttered a racist insult to Vinicius.