Following their actions during and after their victory over Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid stars Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Junior were the subject of an investigation.
Real Madrid fans can breathe a sigh of relief as UEFA has confirmed that key players will be available for their Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash against Arsenal. The investigation, which followed Real Madrid’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the last-16, had raised concerns about potential bans for several players.
The players under scrutiny included Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Junior. UEFA’s inquiry focused on alleged violations of “the basic rules of decent conduct” during the celebrations after the match. While Rudiger and Mbappe were accused of making inappropriate gestures, Ceballos faced separate allegations. Vinicius Junior, however, was cleared of any wrongdoing.
After thorough deliberation, UEFA announced its verdict. Antonio Rudiger received a €40,000 fine and a suspended one-match ban, while Kylian Mbappe was fined €30,000 with a similar suspended ban. Dani Ceballos was fined €20,000, but no further action was taken against him. These suspended bans mean the players remain eligible to play unless further infractions occur during the probationary period. Vinicius Junior faced no disciplinary action.
According to a UEFA statement: ‘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, 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, 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, Daniel Ceballos Fernández, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.’
This decision ensures that Real Madrid will be at full strength for their crucial encounter with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will undoubtedly be relieved to have his squad intact as the Spanish giants aim to continue their pursuit of record-extending 16th European title.
The news has sparked mixed reactions among football fans, with some questioning the leniency of the penalties. However, for Real Madrid supporters, the focus now shifts to the upcoming clash, where their team will look to play against a formidable Arsenal side.
As the countdown to the match begins, all eyes will be on the pitch to see how this high-stakes encounter unfolds.
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