UEFA investigates Mbappe, Vinicius, and two other Real Madrid players after incidents vs. Atletico Madrid

UEFA announced on Thursday, March 27, the opening of a formal investigation into four Real Madrid players: Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Junior. The investigation focuses on gestures made by these players at the Metropolitano Stadium in front of Atletico Madrid fans during the celebrations following Real Madrid’s victory in the Champions League Round of 16.

According to UEFA, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to examine accusations of “indecent conduct” against the mentioned players. While UEFA did not detail the incidents under review, Spanish media reported that Atletico filed a complaint over the behaviour of Real’s players during their celebrations.

Footage captured multiple Real Madrid players celebrating with dances and gestures directed at Atletico supporters, prompting a reaction from the crowd, who threw objects from the stands. The gestures include Rudiger’s throat-cutting gesture, Mbappe grabbing his genitals, Vinicius confronting the crowd while pointing at the Real Madrid badge, and gestures fromCeballos, who, despite being injured and not playing in the match, was involved in the events.

The appointed inspector’s primary task will be to gather information from UEFA officials present at the Metropolitano Stadium regarding incidents that occurred during and after the match, beyond the widely circulated social media footage.

L-R: Vinicius Junior mocks Atletico Madrid fans, Rudigger and Vinicius celebrate making gestures at Atletico supportes ( Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Additionally, Real Madrid will have the opportunity to present arguments in its defense once the governing body reaches a verdict. Potential sanctions could range from match suspensions for one or more players to financial penalties.

Official UEFA statement on the incident

UEFA released an official statement on Thursday confirming the investigation:
“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 Vinícius Júnior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.”

There is concern about the Arsenal clash

Real Madrid is closely monitoring the case due to the risk of suspensions for one or more of the involved players. If sanctions are imposed, Carlo Ancelotti may be forced to do without the four players for at least the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals against Arsenal, scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, at Emirates Stadium.