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Real Madrid’s attempt to overturn UEFA’s disciplinary actions against three of its players has been rejected, leaving the club and individuals facing fines and warnings for their behavior during celebrations at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The European football governing body confirmed on Monday that its appeals body upheld the original sanctions imposed on Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, and Dani Ceballos following the dramatic conclusion to the club’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Atlético Madrid.
The penalties, which were originally handed down on April 4, include financial fines and suspended one-match bans for repeat violations. “Rüdiger, Mbappé and Ceballos were fined €40,000, €30,000 and €20,000, ($47,000, $35,000, $23,400) respectively, by UEFA for ‘violating the basic rules of decent conduct’ during Madrid's Champions League round-of-16 penalty shootout win at Atlético Madrid on March 12.”
Both Rüdiger and Mbappé also received conditional one-match suspensions, which would take effect in the event of future misconduct. “Rüdiger and Mbappé were also given a one-match suspension, applicable only in case of repeat offenses.”
The incident occurred during post-match celebrations after Rüdiger converted the winning penalty. Several Real Madrid players, including Ceballos—who wasn’t part of the matchday squad—celebrated near the Atlético home supporters, where tensions flared as objects were thrown and gestures deemed inappropriate were caught on camera.
UEFA launched an investigation into the conduct, appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to examine the allegations. “UEFA had opened an investigation after Rüdiger was captured on camera making a throat-slitting gesture at Atlético fans while Mbappé grabbed his crotch during his team's celebrations.”
Ceballos was also implicated. “Ceballos was found guilty of violating the basic rules of decent conduct after provoking fans at the Metropolitano stadium.”
Vinícius Júnior, who was also reviewed as part of the probe, was not sanctioned.
UEFA emphasized its decision to uphold the initial verdict: “UEFA's appeal body stated that there were no grounds to overturn the disciplinary measures issued on April 4 by its control, ethics and disciplinary body.”
The club was also hit with a separate €15,000 fine after a Real Madrid fan was spotted making a Nazi salute during the quarterfinal at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. UEFA issued a stern warning to the Spanish giants that repeated racist behavior from supporters could lead to sanctions such as away ticket sale bans for future UEFA fixtures.
The episode places Real Madrid under continued scrutiny by UEFA, with further misconduct potentially leading to harsher consequences in upcoming European competitions.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Simon Reza, Pixabay / Jossué Trejo
