4 Real Madrid players face UEFA ban before Arsenal game | OneFootball

Four of Real Madrid’s biggest stars face potential UEFA bans for “indecent conduct” ahead of their Champions League showdown with Arsenal on 8 April.

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Real Madrid’s preparations for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal have been disrupted by a UEFA investigation into the post-match conduct of four of their most high-profile players.

Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Ceballos are all under disciplinary scrutiny following scenes after their last-16 shootout victory over Atlético Madrid on 12 March.

UEFA confirmed on Thursday that its Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has launched an inquiry into allegations of “indecent conduct” by the quartet, all of whom face possible bans that could rule them out of the tie at the Emirates on 8 April.

According to multiple sources, including La Gazzetta dello Sport and Le Figaro, the four players are accused of engaging in provocative celebrations in the area of the Metropolitano Stadium, where Atlético fans had gathered.

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

The most serious allegation relates to Antonio Rüdiger, who was filmed making a throat-slitting gesture. Kylian Mbappé is said to have made an obscene gesture, while Vinicius Junior was involved in multiple verbal altercations with home supporters before and after the match.

Dani Ceballos, along with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, was reportedly dancing on the pitch in celebration – conduct deemed provocative by Atlético officials.

Atletico Madrid are believed to have submitted four video clips to UEFA supporting their case, with sources close to the process indicating a ruling could arrive quickly. Should UEFA’s inspector recommend sanctions, the players could face suspensions for the quarter-final tie against Arsenal.

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

In a statement issued Thursday, UEFA said: “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 Vinícius Júnior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025”

Neither UEFA nor Real Madrid have issued further comment, while Spanish and French press reports suggest the club could appeal any potential bans.

The timing of UEFA’s ruling is likely to be critical. Any suspensions for Mbappé or Vinicius, both joint top scorers in this season’s Champions League, would significantly alter the complexion of the tie, hopefully in Arsenal’s favour.