Official: Relief for Real Madrid as Rudiger, Mbappe, Vinicius cleared to play vs Arsenal | OneFootball

Heading into next week’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal, Real Madrid have been handed a welcome good news.

The Merengues were sweating over the availability of Antonio Rudiger and a few other players, who were under investigation by UEFA for their celebrations after ousting Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 less than a month ago.

It was reported that there were some concerns with Rudiger’s case in particular with the threat of a one-match suspension looming.

But, Real Madrid can breathe a sigh of relief as neither Antonio Rudiger, nor Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Dani Ceballos have been suspended by UEFA.

What happened?

On March 27, UEFA confirmed it had launched an investigation into the four Madrid players for “indecent conduct” following their Champions League Round of 16 victory over Atletico Madrid.

The scrutiny stemmed from post-match celebrations when Rudiger, who had scored the decisive penalty, alongside several teammates, approached the Madrid fan section at the north end of the Metropolitano to celebrate.

Meanwhile, Ceballos, who was injured and not in the squad, was also under investigation despite not being present on the pitch.

No suspensions for Real Madrid stars. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

UEFA found that during these celebrations, objects were thrown from the Atletico fan sections, and the Madrid players’ reactions were considered contrary to proper sporting behavior.

No suspensions

However, after reviewing the case, the governing body decided not to impose suspensions and closed the investigation.

Indeed, the UEFA disciplinary committee has ruled on the incidents involving Rudiger, Mbappe, Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr. from the match against Atletico Madrid.

While Rudiger and Mbappe have been fined €40,000 and €30,000 respectively, they avoid immediate suspensions and will be available for Real Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Arsenal.

Ceballos, who is currently injured, has also received a €20,000 fine, while Vinicius has been fully exonerated.

The disciplinary committee determined that while the players’ actions were unsportsmanlike, they do not warrant an immediate match ban.

However, if Rudiger or Mbappe commit a similar offense within the next year, they will face a one-match suspension.

Source: AS