Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are among four Blancos players at the heart of a UEFA investigation ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
The reigning European champions advanced to the last eight of the current competition thanks to a dramatic penalty-shootout success over Atletico Madrid in the last 16, prevailing 4-2 on spot kicks after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Real's success naturally sparked raucous celebrations from Carlo Ancelotti's players at Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano home, although four Real Madrid stars are alleged to have taken them too far.
A statement released by UEFA on Thursday afternoon revealed that Antonio Rudiger, Mbappe, Vinicius and Dani Ceballos were under investigation by the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector for alleged indecent conduct.
Ex-Chelsea defender Rudiger appeared to make a throat-slitting gesture to the Atletico supporters following his side's penalty success, while Mbappe seemed to be grabbing his crotch during the celebrations.
Real quartet risk bans for Arsenal clash
© Imago
"A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappe, 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," a statement read. "Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."
Real Madrid are due to take on Arsenal in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at the Emirates on April 8, eight days before hosting Mikel Arteta's men at the Bernabeu in the return fixture.
It remains to be seen if UEFA conclude their investigation in time for either the first or second leg, but if the quartet are found guilty, they will no doubt run the risk of being banned for future Champions League matches.
Ceballos was unlikely to start against his former club anyway, while Raul Asencio, David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni can cover for Rudiger in defence, but Mbappe and Vinicius's absences would be huge blows.
Should Mbappe be hit with a suspension in time for either one or both legs, Ancelotti may have no choice but to start 18-year-old Endrick up front, while Brahim Diaz could deputise for Vinicius out wide.
Why Arsenal should not get excited about possible Real Madrid bans
© Imago
While Arsenal fans may understandably be getting incredibly excited about the prospect of facing an Mbappe and Vinicius-less Real Madrid side, Gooners may have to temper expectations.
Firstly, there is no guarantee that the UEFA investigator will have concluded their investigation in time for the quarter-finals, and other high-profile incidents in recent years have seen players escape suspensions.
Fellow Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham escaped with a fine and a suspended ban for grabbing his crotch against Slovakia at Euro 2024, while Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone also avoided a suspension for a similar gesture against Juventus in the Champions League in 2019.
However, Arsenal should at least be in line to receive one major boost in time for the first leg of the quarter-final, as Bukayo Saka posted a new photo of himself in training on Thursday as he steps up his recovery from hamstring surgery.
Ben Knapton
