Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Antonio Rudiger all face being BANNED for Arsenal Champions League quarter-final over ‘neck and genitals gestures’

UEFA have opened an investigation into the celebrations of Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Ceballos, Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr after they beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 stage earlier this month.

The Spanish giants, who face Arsenal across two legs in the competition’s quarter-finals next month, overcame Atletico via penalties in the second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium.

It has now transpired that the celebrations from some of Real’s players has been alleged as ‘indecent conduct’ and is being investigated by UEFA.

It remains to be seen if the matter could impact upon the players’ availability for the fixtures against Arsenal. 

If so, that would be a massive boost to the north London club’s hopes of progressing in a competition which is their last real hope of silverware this season.

Rudiger is being looked at for the gesture of putting his hand around his neck, while in the case of Mbappé, he is being investigated for touching his genitals. 

UEFA are also looking at Kylian Mbappe’s behaviour following accusations that he touched his genitals

Vinicius Jr confronting the Atletico crowd is also being scrutinised by UEFA

For Vinicius, it’s a confrontation with the crowd before and after the match which is being scrutinised.

A UEFA statement read: ‘A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid on March 12, 2025.

‘Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.’