Real Madrid has been fined by UEFA for the alleged discriminatory behavior of their fans during the second leg of their Champions League play-off against Manchester City. The European football governing body announced on Friday that the Spanish club would be penalized €30,000 (RM139,000) after an investigation found supporters guilty of violating Article 14 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, which covers racism, discriminatory behavior, and propaganda.
Despite the decision, no incidents were reported by journalists or captured in television broadcasts during Real Madrid’s 3-1 home victory on February 19, which secured their place in the last 16 of the tournament. However, UEFA’s disciplinary committee determined that the actions of certain fans warranted sanctions.
In addition to the financial penalty, Real Madrid faces the threat of further punishment if similar incidents occur in the next two years. UEFA has issued a suspended sanction that would require the partial closure of at least 500 adjacent seats at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which has a capacity of 78,297. If another violation takes place, the club will be forced to enforce this restriction.
Real Madrid is not the only major Spanish club facing such measures. Their domestic rivals, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, are also under suspended sanctions for similar offenses, joining several other clubs and national teams across Europe that have been penalized under UEFA’s disciplinary framework.
