Real Madrid expels fan for Nazi salute at Champions League match

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYThu, February 26, 2026 at 8:55 PM UTC

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Real Madrid has initiated proceedings to ban a fan who was caught on camera making a Nazi salute prior to Wednesday's Champions League game against Benfica.

The club said the fan was caught by television cameras ahead of the Champions League playoff second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which Madrid won 2-1 to reach the round of 16.

According to Real Madrid, the fan was immediately expelled from the stadium.

"Real Madrid C. F. announces that it has urgently requested the club's Disciplinary Committee to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure for the member who was caught on television cameras performing the Nazi salute in the area where the Animation Stand is located, moments before the start of the match between Real Madrid and Benfica," a club statement read.

"This member was identified by the club's security staff moments after appearing on the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

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"Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society."

Real Madrid fans unveiled a large “no to racism” banner prior to the game, a nod to the events of the previous week.

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was banned for the second leg after accusations that he directed a racial insult toward Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr during the first leg.

Prestianni has denied using a racial slur, saying that Vinícius "misinterpreted what he thought he heard."

Vinícius would go on to score in both legs, with his 80th-minute goal on Wednesday giving Madrid breathing room as it advanced via a 3-1 scoreline.

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