Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr face potential suspension for the Champions League clash against Arsenal as UEFA investigates four Real Madrid players for alleged 'indecent conduct'.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr could potentially face a ban for their Champions League match against Arsenal due to alleged ‘indecent conduct’.
WHAT HAPPENED?
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate the actions of Mbappe, Vinicius, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos following Real Madrid’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 on March 12.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
One of the main incidents under investigation involves Antonio Rudiger, who was reportedly seen making a throat-slitting gesture, allegedly aimed at Atletico fans. Additionally, circulating video footage suggests that Mbappe made a crotch-grabbing gesture during the celebrations. If the inquiry results in charges and a guilty verdict, the players could face disciplinary action, including suspensions, fines, or both.
WHAT UEFA SAID
A statement from UEFA read: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Past incidents of similar behavior have resulted in fines and suspensions, setting a precedent that could influence UEFA’s ruling on this case. During Euro 2024, England midfielder Jude Bellingham was fined €30,000 and given a one-match suspended ban for making a crotch-grabbing gesture after scoring a late equalizer in England’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the Round of 16. A similar case occurred in 2019 when Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was fined €20,000 for the same gesture after his team scored against Juventus in the Champions League.
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid will be anxiously awaiting UEFA’s decision, as potential bans for Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rudiger, or Ceballos could greatly affect their preparations for the clash against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. The first leg of their quarter-final is set for April 8 at Emirates Stadium, with the return match taking place a week later at the Santiago Bernabeu.
