Real Madrid beat Benfica 2-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs, eliminating their opponents 3-1 on aggregate to advance.
Ahead of Real Madrid’s home match against Benfica this Wednesday, a Real Madrid fan was caught on the live television broadcast making a Nazi salute in the stands. Real Madrid subsequently launched immediate expulsion proceedings against the member, who was ejected from the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on the spot.
The fan, named Antonio Gálvez, is from Huelva and travels regularly to Madrid to watch Real Madrid matches. He is a member of the Real Madrid supporters' group La Clásica, and also part of the club-backed matchday cheering stand.
Real Madrid released an official statement last night, announcing that it will launch immediate expulsion proceedings against the member. The club confirmed that Gálvez had been immediately ejected from the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and stressed that Real Madrid condemns all acts and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and society at large.
Gálvez stated in a video that he did not like filming this type of content, but "had no other choice". He opened with an exaggerated claim that "even the mayor of a major city in China called to ask if the man in the video was me", to illustrate the scale of the incident’s reach.
Reporter: What exactly happened during the match, according to your account?
Antonio Gálvez: When I go to matches normally, I do this, I do that (gesturing as he speaks), sometimes I make other exaggerated gestures, sometimes my hand is down by my crotch, sometimes behind my back. Yesterday I just did that gesture twice, shouting "Hala Madrid! Hala Madrid!" That’s it. Now they’ve even got my funeral and wreaths ready.
Reporter: How do you respond to being labelled a Nazi, and the potential €60,000 fine and expulsion from the club?
Antonio Gálvez: My conscience is clear. That gesture might have happened, but to lump me in with Nazi groups because of it, and potentially fine me €60,000 – I can’t accept that. I’m going to talk to the club’s members, because in the eyes of the whole world, someone has to take the fall, but does it really have to be me? I’m going to reach out to the club proactively, instead of waiting to be expelled. Everyone out there says someone has to pay for this.
Reporter: How do you respond to accusations that you are a Nazi, fascist, racist or homophobe?
Antonio Gálvez: Nazis don’t spend time with black people, they don’t spend time with gay people, and they certainly don’t wear women’s clothes. I have two black adopted sons, not one – two. Kalu and Abde. Anyone who wants to can call them right now. They always have their dad here supporting them.
No one is happier to spend time with gay people than Toni. I was married by a gay man at my wedding. This is who I am – gay, bisexual, whatever you want to call me. I also love wearing women’s clothes and makeup for the Romería del Rocío during festivals. I even have 6 sets of traditional women’s outfits. That’s why I have nothing to do with Nazi ideology.
Reporter: Is there anything else you want to add about the accusations against you?
Antonio Gálvez: Until yesterday, I thought "nazi" was some brand of gin. I was even planning to take two bottles of this so-called "nazi" to a festival this weekend, before I found out that’s not what it is.
Reporter: Do you have any apology to make over the incident?
Antonio Gálvez: I’m here apologising because I have no other choice. But I still don’t really understand what I’m apologising for. I’ll face the consequences, but I need to make it clear who I am. If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to come find me in Huelva. People have already proposed kicking me out of the club – let them propose what they want. I’m allowing anyone to share this video.
