THE Benfica issued, late this Thursday morning, a statement through official platforms, in which it asked for “a responsible attitude on the part of all” fans, in the match of the second round of the league phase of the Europa League, which has the starting whistle scheduled for 8:00 pm (Mainland Portugal time), at Estádio da Luz.
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica expresses, once again, its recognition to the thousands of Benfica fans who follow and encourage the team, in Portugal and beyond its borders. The dedication, enthusiasm and energy that our fans feel in the stands represent an indispensable strength for the players and an important boost in the search for victories”, it can be read.
“Due to the importance of this support, we renew our call for a responsible attitude on the part of all Benfica fans. Sport Lisboa e Benfica is subject to a suspended sanction in European competitions. In this context, the use of pyrotechnic articles or the adoption of any other behavior that violates UEFA regulations will automatically result in the application of the penalty, making it impossible for Benfica fans to be present at the next European game held away from home”, he continues.
“We want Benfica to continue to count on the support of its fans in all stadiums, regardless of the opponent or the competition. To achieve this, we urge all Benfica fans to demonstrate their passion for the club in a responsible way, fully respecting the rules, both in Portugal and abroad”, he adds.
The Benfica-Celtic match will be refereed by Montenegrin referee Nikola Dabanovic, who will have compatriots Srdan Jovanovic and Vladan Todorovic as assistants, and Milos Savovic as fourth referee. Already in the VAR, there will be the Dutch Pol van Boekel, who will have the Swiss Fedayi San as his ‘right-hand man’.
Racist behavior at Benfica-Real Madrid could still be costly
At the basis of the appeal launched by the management led by Rui Costa, remember, are the incidents that date back to the last sporting season of 2025/26, recorded in the first leg match of the playoffs to access the round of 16 of the Champions League, which culminated in a defeat against Real Madrid, at Estádio da Luz, by 0-1.
Vinícius Júnior scored, after 50 minutes, the goal that made the difference, before getting involved in an exchange of provocations with opposing fans, who would later be considered by UEFA guilty of carrying out racist behavior, which led to a sanction of closing 500 seats at the Estádio da Luz, as well as a fine worth 73,000 euros.
This sanction, however, was suspended for a period of one year. The Eagles, for their part, proceeded to identify the alleged perpetrators of these discriminatory attitudes, suspending their respective ‘Red Pass’, and, later, opened a series of disciplinary proceedings, in addition to suspending five of them from membership.
This game was also marked by Vinícius Júnior’s accusations of racism towards Gianluca Prestianni, who would later be suspended by UEFA, but for homophobic comments.
