Benfica suspends five members for racist abuse during clash with Real Madrid

Benfica fans at Est1dio da Luz during the match against Real Madrid

On Thursday, Benfica announced in a statement that it has suspended five members and revoked their Red Passes "following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings, which may lead to the maximum penalty provided for in the club's statutes: expulsion."

In the official statement, Benfica explained that these disciplinary proceedings were opened as a result of an "internal investigation launched after the match between Benfica and Real Madrid on February 17, and the adoption of inappropriate, racist behavior in the stands, which is incompatible with the values and principles that guide the club."

"Sport Lisboa e Benfica reaffirms that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act firmly whenever behaviors arise that go against the values of the club, sport, and society," the club from Luz added in the statement.

"Sport Lisboa e Benfica announces that it has suspended five members and revoked their Red Passes following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings, which may lead to the maximum penalty provided for in the club's statutes: expulsion.

The opening of these disciplinary proceedings results from the internal investigation launched after the match between Benfica and Real Madrid on February 17, and the adoption of inappropriate, racist behavior in the stands, which is incompatible with the values and principles that guide the Club.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica reaffirms that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act firmly whenever behaviors arise that go against the values of the Club, sport, and society."