Four Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, are at risk of disciplinary action from UEFA, which could include a suspension, ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
UEFA has launched proceedings against Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, Vinicius Jr, and Dani Ceballos due to their behavior during Madrid’s celebrations at the Metropolitano Stadium following their penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the last-16 on March 12. ..Continue Reading
Rudiger is facing the most severe penalty after being seen making a throat-slitting gesture toward Atletico fans after the shootout.
Mbappe was caught on camera grabbing his genitals in front of Atletico supporters before later clutching the Madrid badge on his jersey.
Vinicius drew attention by placing his Madrid coat on the pitch in front of Atletico fans and pointing to the ground after the match. During the game, he also taunted Atletico supporters over their club’s lack of a Champions League title.
Meanwhile, Ceballos was filmed making an obscene gesture toward Atletico fans as he exited the field and headed down the tunnel.
A statement from UEFA on Thursday read: ‘A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.’
Real Madrid will now present their case to UEFA in an attempt to avoid any sanctions.
Back in 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo was fined €20,000 (£17,300) by UEFA for mimicking Diego Simeone’s ‘cojones’ celebration after Juventus’ victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Earlier this year, in February, Real Madrid were fined €30,000 (£24,800) by UEFA after some of their supporters chanted homophobic slurs at Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Additionally, Madrid were handed a partial stadium closure as part of the punishment, though the sanction has been suspended for two years.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is set to face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on April 8, with the return fixture at the Bernabeu scheduled for April 16.
