Real Madrid won 2-1 on Wednesday night to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory as they booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
However, the result was overshadowed by a clip of a supporter that was broadcast to millions, showing him do the Nazi salute in the stands.
The fan was identified by security staff moments later and ejected from the ground as the club released a statement on the matter.
“Real Madrid C. F. communicates that it has urgently asked the club’s Disciplinary Committee to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure for the member who has been caught by television cameras making the Nazi salute in the area where the Cheering Stand is located, moments before the start of the match between Real Madrid and Benfica.
“This member was located by the club’s security members moments after he appeared on the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sport and in society.”
The Athletic report that a Nazi salute itself is not a criminal offence in Spain. However, if it is accompanied by other hate crime acts, it can be punishable by law.
Real Madrid will now await Friday’s Champions League draw, where they will either have to face Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the next round.