Real Madrid ban club member who did Nazi salute during Benfica match

"Real Madrid have banned a club member for performing the Nazi salute during the Champions League playoff second-leg against Benfica, a game already overshadowed by allegations of racism. Madrid said in a statement that it had urgently requested the club's disciplinary committee to start an immediate expulsion procedure for the member, who was caught on TV cameras doing the gesture in the stands before kickoff."

"This [club] member was identified by the club's security staff moments after appearing on the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the club said. Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society."

"Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni said his team's 2-1 win over Benfica to reach the Champions League last 16 was a victory for everyone who is against racism. We didn't play our best match of the season, that's for sure, Tchouameni told reporters after Wednesday's game. But I think there are things more important than this match, and more important than football."

Real Madrid initiated expulsion procedures against a club member who performed a Nazi salute during the Champions League playoff second-leg against Benfica. Security staff identified the individual moments after the gesture appeared on television broadcasts and immediately removed him from Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The incident occurred during a match already overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinicius Junior by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni in the first leg. Madrid condemned the gesture as inciting violence and hatred. Despite the controversy, Madrid won 2-1 to advance to the Champions League last 16. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni emphasized that the victory represented a stand against racism, while Vinicius Junior posted about continuing the fight against discrimination.

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