Source:REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
[Saba Sports News] Recently, Benfica announced harsh penalties for inappropriate behavior in the stands during the first leg of the Champions League match against Real Madrid on February 18. The club officially announced that the memberships of five individuals involved have been suspended, and their season ticket privileges revoked. In the official statement, Benfica indicated that after initiating disciplinary procedures, the club has suspended the qualifications of the five members and canceled their corresponding season ticket rights. The handling results of the related disciplinary procedures could lead to the maximum penalty under the club’s statutes, which is expulsion from membership. This disciplinary process was initiated following an internal investigation into the incidents that occurred during the Benfica vs. Real Madrid match on February 18. The investigation confirmed that the individuals engaged in inappropriate behavior of a racist nature in the stands, which is completely contrary to the values and principles upheld by the club.
The editor believes that all clubs should completely eliminate any form of discrimination or racism and continue to take firm action against any behavior that undermines the values of the club, sports, and society as a whole.