UEFA Fines Real Madrid Over Homophobic Chants Directed at Pep Guardiola

UEFA has fined Real Madrid €30,000 (£24,800) after their fans were found guilty of chanting homophobic slurs aimed at Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during Madrid’s 3-1 victory in the Champions League knockout stage in February.

Madrid Handed Suspended Stadium Closure

In addition to the fine, UEFA has also imposed a partial stadium closure affecting at least 500 adjacent seats for Madrid’s next home Champions League game. However, this sanction has been suspended for two years, meaning it will only be enforced if a similar offense occurs within the probation period.

UEFA’s statement read:

"The UEFA Appeals Body has decided to fine Real Madrid CF €30,000 and order the partial closure of their stadium during their next match as host club. This sanction is suspended for a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of this decision."

A Warning for Clubs and Fans

The ruling serves as a strong warning from UEFA as the governing body continues its crackdown on discriminatory behavior in football.

Real Madrid will now shift focus to their Champions League quarter-final clash against Atletico Madrid, knowing that any further incidents could lead to harsher penalties in the future.