UEFA Probes Real Madrid Stars for Indecent Conduct After Match

MADRID, Spain — UEFA is investigating four Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, for alleged indecent conduct following their Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid on March 12. The inquiry involves players Antonio Rudiger, Dani Ceballos, and could lead to potential sanctions before their upcoming quarter-final match against Arsenal.

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The UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector was appointed to scrutinize the incidents that occurred during the emotionally charged aftermath of the Champions League Round of 16 encounter. The match ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, where Real Madrid prevailed 4-3 after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.

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Controversy erupted when the players celebrated Rudiger’s decisive penalty, which ignited reactions from both fans and players. As the Real Madrid team engaged in exuberant celebrations in front of their supporters, video footage surfaced showing Rudiger making a gesture interpreted as a throat slash toward Atletico fans. Additionally, Mbappe was seen making a lewd gesture while exiting the pitch, with Ceballos also allegedly performing an obscene action as he walked down the tunnel.

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A UEFA statement confirmed, “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match against Club Atlético de Madrid.” The statement did not provide specifics regarding the length of the investigation or the potential penalties.

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The UEFA rules stipulate that actions considered “offensive, insulting or abusive” during matches are subject to punishment, including possible red card offenses. Past disciplinary measures under similar circumstances have seen players receive fines rather than suspensions. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo was fined €20,000 for improper behavior in 2019 when he made an obscene gesture after scoring for Juventus.

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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti responded to questions regarding the investigation, expressing confidence in the outcome. “We are confident in UEFA’s investigation. We await the verdict, but our players didn’t do anything wrong,” he stated in a press conference.

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As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain whether any disciplinary action will be resolved before Madrid’s upcoming quarter-final match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on April 8.

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In light of this incident, UEFA emphasizes that they will provide further information upon reaching a conclusion regarding the investigation.