April 7 – UEFA has fined three Real Madrid players – Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, and Dani Ceballos – following last month’s highly charged UEFA Champions League last-16 clash against city rivals Atlético Madrid.
Rüdiger received the heaviest penalty, with a €40,000 fine and a one-match UEFA club competition suspension. The suspension is not immediately enforced and will remain under a one-year probationary period. Mbappé was fined €30,000 and handed a similar suspended one-match ban, also under probation for one year. Ceballos received a €20,000 fine but no match suspension.
The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) found all three in violation of Article 11(2)(b) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, relating to “the basic rules of decent conduct.”
The sanctions stem from an incident following Real Madrid’s dramatic penalty shootout victory at the Metropolitano on March 12, in which tensions between players and fans flared during post-match celebrations.
Rüdiger, whose winning penalty sealed Madrid’s 4-3 shootout triumph, was seen celebrating provocatively in front of Atlético supporters, with social media footage appearing to show him making a throat-slitting gesture. Mbappé and Ceballos were also accused of making obscene gestures as they exited the pitch, while Vinícius Júnior was alleged to have provoked home fans as well.
Vinícius Júnior was cleared of any wrongdoing, with UEFA confirming that no disciplinary proceedings were opened against the Brazilian winger.
UEFA’s disciplinary framework classifies “offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or actions” and “provocative, derisory or inflammatory behaviour” as serious breaches. While the Real Madrid players will remain eligible for European fixtures pending no further misconduct – they open their quarter final tie against Arsenal on Tuesday – the punishments serve as a warning and underline UEFA’s commitment to upholding standards of player conduct.
The derby itself, which ended 2-2 on aggregate before Real Madrid advanced on penalties, was marred by controversy, including fan unrest and disputes over refereeing decisions.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1745832403labto1745832403ofdlr1745832403owedi1745832403sni@g1745832403niwe.1745832403yrrah1745832403