UEFA open investigation into four Real Madrid players ahead of Arsenal clash

Real Madrid have four of their players being investigated by UEFA following the scenes that came after their win at Atletico Madrid with Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger among them

UEFA are investigating four Real Madrid players including Kylian Mbappe following allegations of “indecent conduct” during their win over Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos secured victory over their city rivals on penalties in the round of 16, which saw them celebrate at the Wanda Metropolitano. Atletico won the game 1-0, forcing extra-time and a shootout, but were eventually knocked out by the defending champions.

Real’s antics after the win led to some unsavoury scenes at Atletico’s stadium and the hosts took the unique step of sending four separate video clips to UEFA highlighting the inappropriate or provocative behaviour of Mbappe, Vinicius Jnr, Dani Ceballos and Antonio Rudiger.

Atletico argued that those actions contributed to escalating tensions in the stadium and violated the principles of fair play and UEFA are investigating less than a fortnight out from the quarter-final – where Real will play Arsenal.

A UEFA statement read: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, 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.”

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It has been reported previously that the most serious accusation is levelled at Rudiger – who was filmed making a throat-slitting gesture toward the home crowd after Real secured their spot in the next round.

Vinicius, who had missed a penalty in normal time, was seen gesturing provocatively at the fans, both during play and after being substituted. Ceballos allegedly made an arm gesture on his way to the tunnel whilst Mbappe was caught on camera grabbing his groin while looking towards the Atletico fans.

Atletico themselves were under investigation by UEFA for the crowd disturbances with tensions continuing after the game ended. Diego Simeone was fuming that VAR intervened during the penalty shootout to disallow a Julian Alvarez penalty, citing a double touch from the Argentine.

The Atletico boss let rip in the post-match press conference, questioning journalists on whether it was the right call. Carlo Ancelotti meanwhile was pleased to see his side edge out another difficult encounter.

He said: “There is a change of mentality when we come into these games, we know that there’s a certain way of winning games. We’re very good at that. We understand game situations really well, and tonight was another example.”

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