Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger are set to play against Arsenal in the upcoming Champions League quarter-final next week. They have received one-match bans from UEFA, but these bans are suspended.
UEFA initiated an investigation last week following accusations from Atletico Madrid. Atletico Madrid claimed that Mbappe, Rudiger, Vinicius Jr, and Dani Ceballos displayed “indecent conduct” during Real Madrid`s victory in the Champions League last 16 at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Rudiger, a former Chelsea defender who scored the winning penalty, was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture towards Atletico Madrid fans.
Mbappe, a French star who missed a penalty in regular time but scored in the shootout, was accused of touching his genitals in a disrespectful way.
Vinicius Jr., who has often faced abuse from rival fans, was involved in two separate incidents with Atletico supporters. Ceballos made a one-armed, clenched-fist gesture at the home crowd.
There was a possibility that all four players could be suspended for the first leg against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
However, after an investigation, UEFA`s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector determined that Vinicius Jr. had no case to answer. The other three players were charged with “violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”
UEFA`s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body decided against severe penalties despite finding Mbappe, Rudiger, and Ceballos guilty.
Rudiger and Mbappe each received a one-match ban, suspended for 12 months. Rudiger was fined £34,000, and Mbappe was fined around £25,000. Ceballos received no ban and was fined £17,000.
A UEFA statement confirmed the disciplinary actions against Real Madrid players Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, and Daniel Ceballos Fernandez for violating basic rules of conduct.
The statement clarified that no disciplinary proceedings were opened against Vinícius Júnior.
UEFA`s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) announced the following decisions:
Antonio Rudiger is fined €40,000 and suspended for one UEFA club competition match, with the suspension suspended for a probationary period of one year.
Kylian Mbappe is fined €30,000 and suspended for one UEFA club competition match, with the suspension suspended for a probationary period of one year.
Daniel Ceballos Fernandez is fined €20,000 for violating basic rules of conduct.
The suspended bans for Mbappe and Rudiger are unwelcome news for Arsenal fans.
Arsenal fans had hoped that these players would be banned for the Tuesday match due to Arsenal`s current defensive issues.
Arsenal is facing a defensive crisis after Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in the game against Fulham this week.
Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were absent from Tuesday`s game against Fulham and are doubtful for the upcoming match against Real Madrid next week.
