Source: REUTERS/Vincent West
[Saba Sports News] In a previous Champions League match between La Liga team Real Madrid and Premier League team Manchester City, some Real Madrid fans engaged in insulting and discriminatory behavior towards Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola, which garnered significant attention. Subsequently, Manchester City filed a complaint with UEFA. UEFA conducted a thorough investigation, confirmed the authenticity of the complaints, and based on its disciplinary regulations, imposed penalties on Real Madrid. UEFA fined Real Madrid €30,000 and required the closure of at least 500 adjacent seats in the Bernabeu Stadium for their next home Champions League match. This penalty decision will be suspended for two years, meaning that if Real Madrid fans engage in similar misconduct within the next two years, the penalty will take immediate effect. It is believed that this penalty reflects UEFA’s zero-tolerance stance on discriminatory behavior in stadiums. As a global sport, the allure of football lies in its inclusivity and diversity. Discriminatory behavior not only violates sports ethics but also damages the image and reputation of football. Through this penalty, UEFA sends a clear message to the world: any form of discrimination is unacceptable and will be met with severe punishment.