UEFA has launched an investigation into Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Junior for alleged inappropriate behavior following Real Madrid‘s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. Their availability for the upcoming clash against Arsenal remains uncertain.
Real Madrid secured a place in the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against their city rivals, a match that saw controversy over Julian Alvarez’s disallowed penalty for making contact with the ball twice.
The investigation centers on the actions of the four Real Madrid players during post-match celebrations. TV footage reportedly captured Rudiger making a throat-cutting gesture, while Mbappe was allegedly seen grabbing his crotch. UEFA has assigned a special inspector to review the incident, with video evidence playing a crucial role in the probe. While the governing body has not provided a timeline for the investigation or potential penalties, a fine is seen as a more likely outcome than a suspension.
Possible Sanctions and Impact on Arsenal Clash
It remains unclear if UEFA’s inquiry will conclude before Real Madrid’s first-leg match against Arsenal on April 8 at the Emirates Stadium, with the return leg set for April 16 in Madrid. However, indications suggest that all four players—except for Ceballos, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury—are expected to be available for selection.
Meanwhile, Arsenal has received a major boost ahead of the European showdown, as Bukayo Saka appears to be on the road to recovery. The 23-year-old winger shared a smiling photo from training on social media, captioning it “Hello again,” signaling his potential return to action.
