UEFA Sanctions Real Madrid with Suspended Stadium Closure and Fine Over Fan Chants
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Real Madrid have reportedly been handed a Champions League sanction following UEFA's latest disciplinary action.
Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history with 15 titles, continues to assert its dominance in European football.
After navigating a challenging group stage, the reigning champions bounced back in style, eliminating Manchester City with a commanding 6-3 aggregate victory in the play-off round.
This sets up a highly anticipated last-16 showdown against city rivals Atlético Madrid, with a potential quarter-final clash against either PSV or Arsenal.
However, ahead of their knockout tie, reports suggest UEFA has imposed a sanction on the Spanish giants.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, some Madrid fans at the Bernabéu allegedly chanted discriminatory remarks referencing Chueca, Madrid's well-known LGBTQ+ neighborhood, during the match.
As a result, UEFA has fined the club €30,000 and announced that at least 500 adjacent seats in the stadium will be closed for one match, though the penalty is on probation for two years.
"The Appellate Body has decided to order the partial closure of the Real Madrid CF stadium (that is, at least 500 adjacent seats) during the next match that Real Madrid CF will play as the host club, due to the discriminatory behavior of its fans. This partial closure of the stadium is suspended for a trial period of two (2) years, counted from the date of this decision," UEFA's statement read.
The midfield maestro remains sidelined as he serves a suspension following a heated confrontation with a referee last week, where he was accused of using expletives.
With his presence felt even from the stands, Bellingham continues to be a central figure for Madrid -- both on and off the pitch.
In a related publication, YEN.com.gh reported that Jude Bellingham was just as mesmerised as everyone at the Santiago Bernabéu by Luka Modric's breathtaking goal.
The England star, who was sidelined due to suspension, was seen on his feet, applauding the Croatian's stunning strike.
Meanwhile, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti hailed Modric as "a gift to football" following his sensational goal.
In another publication, YEN.com.gh reported that Kylian Mbappé's father, Wilfred, and Erling Haaland's dad were spotted together at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night.
The two fathers of modern football's biggest stars shared a friendly moment as they watched Real Madrid's Champions League showdown with Man City.
However, it was Mbappé's dad who had the last laugh after the final whistle.