UEFA has fined Real Madrid 15,000 euros after a supporter was filmed performing a Nazi salute before a Champions League play-off match against Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The incident occurred in the stands as fans gathered ahead of the second leg of the tie. Footage circulated on social media showed a man raising his arm in a gesture widely recognised as a Nazi salute. Real Madrid security staff identified the individual and removed him from the stadium before kick-off.

Following an investigation, UEFA’s disciplinary body ruled that the gesture constituted racist and discriminatory behaviour under its regulations. In addition to the financial penalty, UEFA imposed a partial stadium closure of 500 seats. That sanction has been suspended for a one-year probationary period, meaning it will be enforced only if there is a repeat offence within the next season.

UEFA has tightened its stance on racism and discriminatory conduct in recent years, holding clubs responsible not only for organised fan groups but for individual supporters whose actions breach its rules. The governing body’s disciplinary code allows for fines, partial or full stadium closures, and, in severe or repeated cases, points deductions or disqualification from competitions.

The tie between Real Madrid and Benfica had already been overshadowed by controversy. The first leg in Lisbon was marked by an allegation that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni directed racist abuse at Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. Prestianni has denied the accusation, but the episode added to a growing list of racism-related flashpoints involving Vinicius in European football.

Real Madrid went on to win the play-off and secure their place in the Champions League last 16, where they are scheduled to face Manchester City. The club has not publicly contested UEFA’s decision over the Nazi salute incident and is expected to continue cooperating with authorities to identify and sanction supporters who engage in racist or extremist behaviour.

The case underscores the increasing scrutiny on fan conduct in European competitions and the pressure on elite clubs to demonstrate zero tolerance for racism and hate symbols inside their stadiums.