Real Madrid have received a major boost for next week's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos all cleared to take to the field.
UEFA had been investigating the celebrations from all four players following Real Madrid's penalty-shootout success over their bitter rivals Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their last-16 contest last month.
UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector had been in charge of the matter, and it had been suggested that all four could be suspended for the first leg of the quarter-final with Arsenal.
Rudiger appeared to make a throat-slitting gesture to the Atletico fans, while Mbappe seemingly grabbed his crotch, but in a major boost for the reigning European champions, all four have been cleared for the game with Arsenal.
Rudiger and Mbappe have received suspended one-match bans, in addition to fines of €40,000 (£34,000) and €30,000 (£25,000) respectively, while Ceballos has also been fined €20,000 (£17,000) for his conduct after the Madrid derby.
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Mbappe, Rudiger, Ceballos, Vinicius all cleared to face Arsenal
In terms of Vinicius, no disciplinary proceedings were opened, with the Brazilian not facing any punishment.
Speaking just moments before the decision was confirmed, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters during a pre-match press conference that he was confident that Rudiger would be available, as the Germany international had emerged as the most likely to be banned for the contest with the Gunners next week.
"We have to wait, that's all. I don't think anything will happen and that Rudiger will be able to play in Tuesday's game," said Ancelotti.
UEFA's statement read: "The CEDB has decided: To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Antonio Rüdiger, €40,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.
"To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Kylian Mbappe, €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.
"To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Daniel Ceballos Fernández, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct."
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When are Real Madrid back in action?
Real Madrid will be back on the field on Saturday afternoon, preparing to tackle Valencia in Spain's top flight, and Ancelotti's side cannot afford to take their eye off the ball in La Liga due to Barcelona's form.
Los Blancos are second in the La Liga table, three points behind the leaders Barcelona, and they could be forced to field third-choice goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez on Saturday, as number one and number two goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin both have injury issues.
Matt Law
