Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Antonio Rudiger are available to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League after avoiding a UEFA ban. Mbappe and Rudiger were both found guilty by UEFA of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct” while celebrating Los Blancos’ penalty victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 and have been fined, but not suspended.
Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger are both available to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday after avoiding a UEFA ban.
Last week, UEFA launched an investigation into the behaviour of Real Madrid stars Mbappe, Rudiger, Vinicius Junior and Dani Ceballos during their Champions League penalty shoot-out victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in March.
UEFA subsequently found Rudiger and Mbappe guilty of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”, with both receiving a suspended one-match ban for a probationary period of one year.
In turn, they will both be available to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday April 8, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Mbappe, who was fined €30,000 (£25,480), is alleged to have made a lewd gesture during Real’s celebrations against Atletico, while Rudiger was fined €40,000 (£33,980) for allegedly making a throat-slitting gesture in the direction of home supporters.
Ceballos, meanwhile, was fined €20,000 (£17,000) for allegedly provoking fans at the stadium. Vinicius received no disciplinary action.
A UEFA statement read: “Following the investigation of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings were opened against the following Real Madrid CF players, Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez for potentially violating the basic rules of decent conduct (Art. 11(2)(b) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations).
“No disciplinary proceedings were opened against Real Madrid CF player, Vinicius Junior.
“The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions: To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Antonio Rudiger, €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 Fernandez, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”
Ancelotti rubbishes Real exit speculation
On Friday, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti rubbished the suggestion he would ask to leave Real Madrid.
The Italian has been tipped to take over as Brazil manager, after Dorival Junior was sacked after losing 4-1 to arch-rivals Argentina in FIFA World Cup qualifying last month.
“No, I have already answered that,” Ancelotti said. “I am not the one who is going to ask to leave this club.”
Meanwhile, Ancelotti provided an update on Jude Bellingham’s fitness, ahead of Saturday’s La Liga encounter with Valencia and next week’s Champions League tie at the Emirates.
“Jude Bellingham’s physique allows him to recover very well,” Ancelotti said. “He has a good dynamic. We will evaluate this.
“Today’s training will give us more details on how the players are and how they are recovering.
“But yes, letting him rest [and miss the Valencia match] is an option.”
