Four key Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, are facing possible suspensions for their Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal.
UEFA has opened an investigation into their actions during Madrid’s last-16 second-leg encounter with Atletico Madrid on March 12.
Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos are also under scrutiny, with UEFA appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to examine allegations of “indecent conduct” during post-match celebrations at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Madrid triumphed over Atletico on penalties, but the nature of their celebrations has now drawn regulatory attention.
Among the incidents being reviewed, Rudiger was allegedly seen making a throat-slitting gesture towards Atletico supporters, while footage circulating online appears to show Mbappe grabbing his crotch in celebration.
Such gestures have led to fines and suspensions in the past. For instance, Jude Bellingham was fined €30,000 and handed a suspended one-match ban for a similar action during Euro 2024, while Atletico manager Diego Simeone was fined €20,000 in 2019 for an identical gesture against Juventus.
With the first leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid set for April 8 at the Emirates, and the return fixture scheduled for the following week at the Bernabeu, it remains uncertain whether the investigation will be concluded in time to determine potential sanctions.
UEFA released a statement confirming the probe, “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández 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. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for Madrid’s quarter-final ambitions, as potential bans could weaken their squad for the crucial fixtures against Arsenal.
