None of the four Real Madrid players investigated by UEFA will miss next week’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.
Stars Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe have received suspended one-match bans on top of fines, while team-mate Dani Ceballos has got off with just a fine after the trio ‘violated the basic rules of decent conduct’.
Ex-Chelsea defender Rudiger was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture towards Atletico Madrid supporters in the aftermath of last month’s dramatic round-of-16 second leg. Vinicius Junior was also probed by UEFA but has escaped punishment.
Real controversially won the tie on penalties after local rivals Atletico had a goal in the shootout cancelled by VAR.
Images and videos of the four players’ behaviour prompted UEFA to appoint an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to assess their conduct during and after the penalty shootout.
With only five days to go until the quarter-final first leg at Arsenal next Tuesday, UEFA has now confirmed their punishments.
Rudiger and Mbappe have fined €40,000 (£34,000) and €30,000 (£25,000) respectively as well as being handed suspended one-match bans.
Ceballos, who played for Arsenal on loan from 2019 to 2021, has been fined €20,000 (£17,000). It was also confirmed that no disciplinary proceedings were opened against Vinicius.
Rudiger and Mbappe’s suspensions are subject to a probationary period of one year.
The decision means that all four probed players will be available for Carlo Ancelotti, as the Champions League holders look to continue their title defence at the Emirates Stadium before the return leg at the Bernabeu on April 16.
Mirror Sport
