UEFA issues warning to Real Madrid with partial Bernabeu closure

The governing body's Appeals Committee has fined the Spanish club €30,000 and imposed a conditional partial stadium closure, which will be on probation for two years.

The decision, announced on Friday, enforces the closure of at least 500 seats at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid's next home match in a European competition. This sanction falls under Article 14(2) of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations, with the probationary period set to run for two years from the date of the ruling.

Additionally, UEFA confirmed that the €30,000 fine stems from discriminatory behaviour by supporters during the second-leg playoff match on 19th February. Despite Madrid securing a 3-1 victory over Pep Guardiola's side, the conduct of some fans has led to disciplinary action.

The ruling also clarifies that sanctions imposed under a probationary period do not take immediate effect. However, they will be enforced if a similar offence occurs during the two-year window, as stipulated in Article 26(3) of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations.