Real Madrid is a club that takes pride in its global fanbase. However, it is important to recognize that not all fans are created equal, and there are many crude apples these days.
UEFA's disciplinary committee recently imposed hefty sanctions on Los Blancos for racist behavior by their fans at the Emirates Stadium during this season's Champions League.
During the game against Arsenal, UEFA saw racist behavior by Real Madrid fans from the away end and have decided to impose a 15,000 euro fine on the club.
Furthermore, the body's statement cites a prohibition on selling away tickets to travelling Real Madrid fans for one future UEFA fixture. The prohibition, however, is suspended for a one-year probation period from the date of sanction.
This means that, while the ban is not imposed immediately, if any such incident is brought to UEFA's attention during the probation term, it will become effective.
Racism by Real Madrid fans is disgusting and concerning
This, however, is not the first time the club's fans have been accused of racism.
The club was previously sanctioned by UEFA earlier this season for Santiago Bernabeu's racist remarks directed at Pep Guardiola during a match against Manchester City. Several players were also charged for certain behaviour in the Atletico Madrid game.
Furthermore, it should be noted that Real Madrid fans being racist is not ideal in terms of the club's policies. Especially in light of Vinicius Jr.'s suffering, who has been a victim of institutionalized racism ever since he's arrived in Spain.
The club is still fighting this disease, but the fans' disgusting behavior isn't helping anyone. It only hurts the cause that the club is diligently fighting against.
It is time for Los Blancos to take racism more seriously than they have in the past and prevent similar difficulties from emerging in the future. They are already under investigation by UEFA, have been sanctioned twice, and another repetition of the error may not be warmly welcomed.