UEFA has announced an investigation into four Real Madrid players for `indecent conduct` during their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on March 12.
The investigation, launched by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, concerns Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez, and Vinicius Junior. It focuses on their behavior during the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie.
While UEFA has not detailed the specific incidents under scrutiny, reports suggest the investigation is related to the players` post-match celebrations in front of fans. Following their victory over Atletico Madrid, these four Real Madrid players celebrated facing their own supporters. However, Atletico fans also witnessed the celebrations and reportedly threw objects at the players. All four are accused of making gestures towards the Atletico fans as they left the field. Rudiger allegedly made a throat-slitting gesture, while Ceballos and Mbappe are suspected of making inappropriate gestures. Vinicius is also said to have made a gesture with his hands.
The potential punishments are currently unclear. However, football regulations state that `offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s)` or `acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way` could warrant a red card. Any penalties imposed could prevent players from participating in the first leg of the quarterfinal match against Arsenal on April 8.
This investigation adds further intrigue to the Madrid derby match, which was decided by a penalty shootout after a dramatic second leg. Real Madrid entered the match with a 2-1 advantage, but Atletico Madrid quickly leveled the score. Vinicius later missed a penalty that could have won the game for Real Madrid, leading to extra time and ultimately penalties.
Real Madrid ultimately won the penalty shootout 4-2, although one penalty from Alvarez was disallowed due to a double touch. Rudiger subsequently scored the decisive penalty for Real Madrid.
