UEFA has announced the commencement of an investigation into the behavior of four Real Madrid players. The probe concerns alleged `indecent conduct` during the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 match against Atletico Madrid on March 12th.
According to a statement from the governing body, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to examine claims of inappropriate behavior by Real Madrid players Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez, and Vinicius Junior. The alleged incidents occurred during the Champions League match against Club Atlético de Madrid on March 12, 2025.
While UEFA has not detailed the specific incidents under scrutiny, reports from The Athletic suggest the investigation is focused on the Real Madrid players` actions during their post-match celebrations in front of their own fans. Although directed at their supporters, Atletico fans could also witness the celebrations and reportedly began throwing objects. The four players are accused of making gestures towards the Atletico supporters as they were leaving the field. Specifically, Rudiger is alleged to have made a throat-slitting gesture, while Ceballos and Mbappe are suspected of making other inappropriate gestures towards the opposing crowd. Vinicius is also reported to have made a hand gesture.
The potential consequences of the investigation remain unclear. However, football regulations stipulate that `offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s)` or `acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way` could warrant a red card. If any of the players are penalized, it could affect their availability for the first leg of the quarterfinal match against Arsenal on April 8th.
This news adds another layer of intrigue to the already dramatic match in Madrid earlier this month. The game ultimately went to a penalty shootout, with Real Madrid, the reigning champions, progressing to the next stage. Real Madrid entered the second leg with a 2-1 advantage, but Atletico Madrid quickly leveled the score within the first minute thanks to Conor Gallagher`s goal. Vinicius had an opportunity to regain the aggregate lead for Real Madrid with a second-half penalty, but he missed the target, leading to extra time and eventually penalties.
Real Madrid ultimately won the penalty shootout 4-2, although Alvarez`s penalty was initially disallowed because referees determined he made two touches on the ball. Rudiger subsequently scored the decisive penalty for Real Madrid.
