Benfica fans slammed for launching flares towards Real Sociedad supporters during Champions League clash

Benfica fans were spotted throwing flares into a section of Real Sociedad supporters during their Champions League clash in Spain on Wednesday.

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• Benfica fans threw flares
• Aimed at home fans below them
• Sociedad won 3-1 in UCL clash

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The away supporters launched flares from the top tier of the Reale Arena down into a section of the Sociedad fans below them.

  Benfica captain Nicolas Otamendi attempted to calm the club's supporters, while Real Sociedad wrote on social media: "Shame on the fans of Benfica".

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The incident occurred in the second half of the European clash when Sociedad were 3-1 up against their Portuguese visitors. Goals from Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzaal and Ander Barrenetxea had the Basque club 3-0 up after 21 minutes before Rafa Silva pulled one back in the second period.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  This is not the first time Benfica fans have resorted to such behaviour in the Champions League. Last season, a similar incident occurred during their quarter-final clash against Inter. As punishment, they were not allowed to have fans present for their first Champions League game of this campaign, which was, fittingly, against Inter.

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  UEFA will likely investigate the incident and Benfica could be punished for the conduct of their fans.