UEFA could sanction Real Madrid star following heated exchange with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka

Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu sealed their elimination from the Champions League quarterfinals, with a lopsided 5-1 aggregate score. However, the fallout from the match could extend beyond the defeat, as UEFA may impose a severe sanction on Dani Carvajal following a contentious exchange with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

Real Madrid are expected to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, but they might have to do so without Carvajal for several matches. Surprisingly, the issue isn’t tied to his season-ending ligament injury but stems from his confrontation with Saka during halftime.

Carvajal, sidelined due to his injury, entered the pitch at halftime, grabbed Saka by the back of the neck, and pointed at him while allegedly criticizing the Arsenal star for attempting a Panenka-style penalty—a move thwarted by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Spanish outlets Marca and Diario AS reported that this heated incident in the tunnel could prompt an investigation and potential suspension from UEFA, as Carvajal appeared to break two disciplinary rules.

Carvajal may have broken two UEFA rules, precedents exist

For Carvajal to face sanctions, UEFA must either rely on reports filed by match officials or independently act based on video evidence of the incident. Footage appears to show Carvajal breaching two UEFA disciplinary rules. The first, outlined in Article 15.a.viii, mandates punishment for “participating in a match when not eligible to play, if deemed appropriate.”

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The second is Article 15.e, which states, “Suspension for three competition matches or a specified period for assaulting another player or person present at the match.” If enforced, Carvajal could face up to a four-game suspension in UEFA competitions, affecting Real Madrid or any other club he represents.

There’s precedent for such actions. During Real Madrid’s pursuit of their 10th Champions League title, Xabi Alonso was suspended for one match under the first rule. Meanwhile, suspensions for violations under the second rule are more common, often involving physical altercations between players beyond typical on-field disputes.