Real Madrid key players, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger, are eligible to play against Arsenal in the upcoming Champions League quarter-final next week. They have received suspended one-match bans from UEFA.
UEFA initiated an investigation last week following accusations from Atletico Madrid regarding “improper behavior” by Mbappe, Rudiger, Vinicius Jr, and Dani Ceballos after Real Madrid`s victory in the Champions League round of 16 at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Rudiger, formerly a Chelsea defender and scorer of the winning penalty, was accused of gesturing a throat slit towards Atletico Madrid fans.
Mbappe, the French star who missed a penalty earlier in the match but scored in the shootout, was reported for making an obscene gesture.
Vinicius Jr., a frequent target of rival fans and victim of racism, was involved in confrontations with Atletico supporters both before and after the penalty shootout. Ceballos also gestured towards the home crowd.
These incidents raised concerns that all four players might be suspended for the first leg against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Following an investigation, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector determined that Vinicius Jr. had no case to answer, but Mbappe, Rudiger, and Ceballos were charged with “violating basic rules of decent conduct.”
However, UEFA`s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body decided against severe penalties, despite finding the three players guilty.
Rudiger and Mbappe each received a one-match ban, suspended for 12 months, and fines of £34,000 and £25,000 respectively. Ceballos received no ban but 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 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations regarding basic rules of decent conduct.
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) reached the following decisions:
Antonio Rudiger: Fined €40,000 and suspended for one UEFA club competition match, suspended for 12 months.
Kylian Mbappe: Fined €30,000 and suspended for one UEFA club competition match, suspended for 12 months.
Daniel Ceballos Fernandez: Fined €20,000.
The suspended bans for Mbappe and Rudiger are unwelcome news for Arsenal fans.
Arsenal supporters had hoped that the players would be banned for the Tuesday game at the Emirates, given the team`s current defensive challenges.
Arsenal`s defense is currently weakened after Gabriel Magalhaes sustained a season-ending hamstring injury against Fulham this week.
Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were absent from Tuesday`s game against Fulham and remain doubtful for the upcoming match against Real Madrid.
