Did Real Madrid Just Condemn a Fan for an Alleged Nazi Salute?

Real Madrid is currently investigating an incident involving a supporter who allegedly performed a Nazi salute before the club's Champions League match against Benfica. This incident occurred just before kick-off at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, amidst ongoing discussions about racism in football. The club has condemned the gesture and is taking steps to expel the individual involved while also supporting anti-racism initiatives.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In the wake of the Champions League match on 4 October 2023, Real Madrid has reacted swiftly to an alarming incident in which a fan was seen making a Nazi salute. This gesture was captured on television and reported widely, prompting immediate action from the club's security staff, who promptly identified and ejected the supporter. Real Madrid's official statement expressed their strong condemnation of such actions, stating that they incite "violence and hatred" both in sports and society.

Key takeaways

• Real Madrid is investigating a fan who allegedly made a Nazi salute during a Champions League match.
• The club has initiated an expulsion procedure against the individual.
• The incident follows previous allegations of racial abuse involving Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines the key events leading up to the current situation:

• 4 October 2023: Real Madrid defeats Benfica 2-1, progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League.
• 4 October 2023: A supporter allegedly performs a Nazi salute before the match, which is captured on live television.
• 4 October 2023: The supporter is ejected from the stadium by security staff.
• 4 October 2023: Real Madrid issues a statement condemning the gesture and announcing an investigation.
• 27 September 2023: Vinicius Jr. reports racial abuse by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg of the tie.
• 27 September 2023: UEFA places Prestianni under provisional suspension pending investigation.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant new development is Real Madrid’s immediate investigation into the Nazi salute incident, alongside their commitment to take disciplinary action against the fan involved. This comes at a time when the club is already dealing with the fallout from the racial abuse allegations involving Vinicius Jr.

What was already established

Prior to this incident, Vinicius Jr. had already been vocal about his experiences with racial abuse in football, particularly during the first leg match against Benfica. The club has taken a strong stance against racism, with players and officials expressing their support for anti-racism messages during matches.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While this incident primarily affects the immediate stakeholders, fans in the UK are likely to be concerned about the implications of such racist behaviours in sports. The ongoing discussions around racism in football are of great importance, and incidents like this can influence public sentiment and consumer behaviour as fans expect clubs to take a proactive stance against discrimination.

Businesses and jobs

For football clubs and associated businesses in the UK, the issue of racism poses a reputational risk. Clubs must adopt stringent policies to address discrimination, not only to comply with regulations but also to protect their brand and maintain fan loyalty. The fallout from incidents such as this can affect sponsorships and partnerships as companies increasingly align themselves with values of diversity and inclusion.

Policy and regulation

In light of these events, there may be increased pressure on football governing bodies in the UK to implement stricter policies against racism and hate speech in the sport. The Football Association (FA) and clubs could face scrutiny regarding their current measures and the effectiveness of their anti-racism campaigns. Upcoming consultations and decisions by governing bodies will be closely watched by fans and advocacy groups alike.

Numbers that matter

• 83,000 – Capacity of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium where the incident occurred.
• 2-1 – The score of the Champions League match against Benfica, which Real Madrid won.
• 3-1 – Aggregate score that allowed Real Madrid to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League.
• 1 – Number of matches Gianluca Prestianni was provisionally suspended for due to racial abuse allegations.

Definitions and jargon buster

• UEFA: The Union of European Football Associations, governing body for football in Europe.
• Nazi salute: A gesture associated with the Nazi regime, often used to express fascist ideologies.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Real Madrid's disciplinary process will unfold, and the results of their investigation will likely be announced. Fans will watch closely to see how the club addresses the incident and whether further actions will be taken against the individual involved.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the outcomes of the investigation, there may be a broader discussion in the football community about racism and how to combat it effectively. Clubs may implement new measures and educational programs to address these issues more comprehensively.

Signals to watch

• Updates from Real Madrid regarding the individual's expulsion and any further disciplinary actions.
• Outcomes of UEFA's investigation into Gianluca Prestianni and any subsequent penalties.
• Public and fan reactions to the measures taken by clubs in response to racism in football.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within sports.
• Stay informed about club policies regarding racism and discrimination.
• Encourage open discussions about racism in sports among peers and community.

Don’t

• Ignore or dismiss incidents of racism, as they perpetuate a harmful culture.
• Assume that measures taken by clubs are sufficient without ongoing dialogue and advocacy.
• Participate in or support any form of hate speech or discrimination in sports.

Checklist

• Check your club's stance on racism and discrimination.
• Engage with community events focused on promoting equality in sports.
• Educate yourself and others about the impact of racism in football.
• Be proactive in reporting any incidents of racism you witness at sporting events.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The current situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations and potential repercussions for all involved. The effectiveness of Real Madrid's actions will be scrutinised, and the incident highlights the broader issues of racism in football that are still prevalent today. The potential for further incidents, both from fans and players, remains a risk that clubs and governing bodies must address comprehensively.

Bottom line

The recent incident involving a supporter at Real Madrid's Champions League match underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to combat racism in football. As the club investigates, it is essential for fans and stakeholders to advocate for meaningful change and ensure that such behaviours are not tolerated in sports. The actions taken in response to this incident may set a precedent for how football addresses racism moving forward.

FAQs

What is the significance of the 'no to racism' banner displayed at the match?

The 'no to racism' banner displayed before the match signifies Real Madrid's commitment to combating racism in football and supporting players affected by such discrimination.

What actions is Real Madrid taking against the supporter who performed the Nazi salute?

Real Madrid has requested its disciplinary committee to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure against the supporter who allegedly made the Nazi salute, condemning the act as inciting violence and hatred.

How has Vinicius Jr. been involved in recent incidents regarding racism?

Vinicius Jr. has been vocal about his experiences with racial abuse, notably reporting an incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg of their Champions League tie, which led to a suspension for Prestianni.