Real Madrid Players Fined for Indecent Conduct but Cleared to Play Against Arsenal

Four Real Madrid players have been cleared to face Arsenal in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final despite disciplinary action taken by UEFA against three of them.

Last month, UEFA launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Dani Ceballos after their last-16 victory against Atletico Madrid. The four players were accused of making gestures toward Atletico’s home fans after Real Madrid secured a dramatic penalty shootout win to advance to the quarter-finals.

On Friday, UEFA confirmed that no disciplinary measures would be taken against Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. However, Rudiger, Mbappe, and Ceballos were found to have breached UEFA’s “basic rules of decent conduct,” as outlined in Article 11(2)(b) of the organization’s disciplinary regulations.

France striker Mbappe, 26, and Germany defender Rudiger, 32, were both handed a suspended one-match ban and fines of £25,000 (30,000 euros) and £35,000 (40,000 euros), respectively. Spanish midfielder Ceballos, 28, was fined £17,000 (20,000 euros).

Despite the sanctions, all four players will be available to feature in the first leg of Real Madrid’s quarter-final clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on April 8, with the return leg scheduled for April 16 at the Bernabeu.