Four Real Madrid stars have received the outcome of a UEFA probe just days before their Champions League quarter-final first-leg showdown with Arsenal next Tuesday.
The players involved — Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Dani Ceballos — were under investigation for allegedly making provocative gestures toward Atletico Madrid fans during or after their dramatic penalty shootout win last month.
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There had been concerns that one or more of them might be suspended for the upcoming clash against the Premier League side. ..Continue Reading
However, all four now know their fate. In a blow to Mikel Arteta and his team, Rudiger, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Ceballos have escaped suspension and are free to play. That said, Rudiger has been hit with a €40,000 fine.
A UEFA statement read: “Following the investigation of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings were opened against the following Real Madrid CF players, Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández for potentially violating the basic rules of decent conduct (Art. 11(2)(b) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations).
“No disciplinary proceedings were opened against Real Madrid CF player, Vinícius Júnior.
“The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions: To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Antonio Rüdiger, €40,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.
“To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Kylian Mbappé, €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision. To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Daniel Ceballos Fernández, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”
Still, there are a few positives for the Premier League club. French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will be unavailable for selection due to a suspension from accumulated yellow cards.
Additionally, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains a doubt as fitness issues may rule him out of the match.
Before heading to London for the Champions League encounter, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are set to host Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu in a La Liga fixture on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be on the road earlier that day, visiting Goodison Park to face Everton.
