Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Antonio Rudiger all face being BANNED for Arsenal Champions League quarter-final over ‘neck and genitals gestures’
Arsenal could be set for a huge boost – with FOUR Real Madrid players to be investigated ahead of their Champions League quarter-final.
UEFA have launched a probe into allegations of ‘indecent conduct’ by star quartet Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger and Daniel Ceballos following Real’s contentious penalty shootout victory over city rivals Atletico in their Round of 16 clash.
Should they be found guilty, a ban is one of the punishments open to the governing body.
The Gunners host the current champions on April 8, with the return leg in the Spanish capital the following Wednesday. There is no time limit on the investigation however, aggrieved Atletico are understood to have sent four separate videos to UEFA which they believe clearly outline each alleged offence. Insiders believe that the material could well speed up the process, with an investigating officer now on the case.
Real controversially progressed 4-2 on penalties on a volatile night after Atletico won the second leg 1-0 to tie the fixture 2-2 on aggregate.
Vinicius, who is the competition’s joint top-scorer along with Mbappe, is said to have repeatedly clashed with fans of the home side during and after the match. Following a dramatic victory he is said to have pointed to the Real crest on his substitute’s coat while former Chelsea man Rudiger is accused of making a throat-slitting gesture.
Antonio Rudiger is being investigated for the gesture of putting his hand around his neck
UEFA are also looking at Kylian Mbappe’s behaviour following accusations that he touched his genitals
Vinicius Jr confronting the Atletico crowd is also being scrutinised by UEFA
Ceballos is also accused of making an offensive gesture while it is claimed that France star Mbappe touched his genitals in a derogatory manner.
Ironically, Atletico coach Diego Simeone escaped a touchline ban but was fined after grabbing his crotch during a Champions League match with Juventus in 2019.
Real may well argue that their players retaliated after dozens of bottles and a lighter were hurled from the stands at the Metropolitano.
A UEFA spokesperson 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 Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.’
