Real Madrid fan is kicked out of the Bernabeu for ‘performing a Nazi salute’ at the start of Champions League second leg against Benfica

A Real Madrid fan who allegedly performed a Nazi salute before the club’s Champions League match against Benfica is said to be under investigation.

During the pre-match displays at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday – which included the draping of a huge ‘No To Racism’ banner – a supporter appeared to make the gesture from the stands.

According to Marca and The Athletic, the fan was identified by security officials and removed from his seat, which was located in the south of the 83,000-seater stadium.

The club are said to have immediately opened a disciplinary investigation, and will reportedly co-operate with the authorities if it is required.

A Nazi salute itself is not a criminal offence in Spain, though if it is accompanied by other hate crime acts, can be punishable by law.

Madrid won the second-leg of the tie 2-1 to secure a blockbuster last 16 tie against Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon.

The first leg in Portugal had been overshadowed by allegations that Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni called Vinicius Junior a ‘monkey’, which the Argentine denies.

Madrid’s Brazilian winger scored the second goal of the game on Wednesday to seal his side’s qualification into the next round of the competition they have won 15 times.

Speaking about the ugly scenes that unfolded in the Estadio de Luz last week, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was outspoken about unseemly behaviour in the stands.

‘There are the other things that happened in the stands that warrant stopping the match and ejecting those people,’ the Belgian said.

‘We don’t see what’s going on in the stands; some people might see it, but it happens when we’re focused on the game. There have to be other people in charge who take action.’