UEFA has announced the start of an investigation into four Real Madrid players concerning their `indecent conduct` during the Champions League round of 16 second leg match against Atletico Madrid on March 12th.
According to UEFA, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will investigate allegations against Real Madrid players Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez, and Vinicius Junior. The allegations stem from their behavior during the Champions League match against Club Atlético de Madrid on March 12, 2025.
While UEFA has not detailed the specific incidents under scrutiny, reports suggest the investigation is centered on the Real Madrid players` actions during their post-match celebrations in front of their supporters. Although directed at their own fans, Atletico Madrid supporters could also observe the celebrations and reportedly began throwing objects. The accusations involve gestures made by all four players towards the Atletico fans as they were leaving the field. It is alleged that Rudiger made a throat-slitting gesture, while Ceballos and Mbappe may have made inappropriate gestures to the crowd. Vinicius is also reported to have made a hand gesture.
The potential penalties remain unclear. However, football regulations stipulate that `offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s)` or `acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way` can be considered red card offenses. If any of the players are sanctioned, it could affect their participation in the first leg of the quarterfinal match against Arsenal on April 8th.
This news adds further intrigue to the already dramatic match in Madrid earlier this month. The game, which ultimately went to penalties, saw Real Madrid, the current Champions League titleholders, advance to the next stage. Real Madrid entered the second leg with a 2-1 advantage, but Atletico Madrid quickly leveled the score thanks to Conor Gallagher`s early goal. Vinicius had an opportunity to regain the lead for Real Madrid with a second-half penalty, but he missed the target, leading to extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.
Real Madrid ultimately won the penalty shootout 4-2. Alvarez`s penalty was disallowed because referees determined he made two touches on the ball. Rudiger subsequently scored the decisive penalty for Real Madrid.
Dominic Ashworth