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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that the four players under UEFA investigation will be cleared of any wrongdoing ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.
On Thursday, UEFA launched an inquiry into allegations of “indecent conduct” involving Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos following Real Madrid’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16.
If found guilty, the players could face disciplinary action, including potential suspensions. However, speaking ahead of Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Leganes, Ancelotti dismissed any concerns over possible bans.
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“We are confident in UEFA’s investigation,” Ancelotti said. “We are waiting for the verdict, but our players did nothing wrong. They were simply celebrating.”
Real Madrid could be without four star players against Arsenal in the Champions League (Image credit: Getty Images)With the quarter-final first leg set for April 8 at the Emirates Stadium and the return leg a week later at the Santiago Bernabéu, the timing of the investigation remains uncertain. However, Atletico Madrid have reportedly submitted four separate video clips to UEFA, which they claim clearly show the alleged misconduct.
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Sources indicate that the evidence could accelerate the process, as UEFA has now assigned an investigating officer to the case.
Real Madrid’s controversial 4-2 victory on penalties followed a heated second-leg clash at the Metropolitano, where Atletico won 1-0 to level the aggregate score at 2-2.
Vinicius, currently the Champions League’s joint-top scorer alongside Mbappe, is accused of provoking opposition fans by pointing to the Real Madrid crest on his coat. Rudiger allegedly made a throat-slitting gesture, while Ceballos is accused of making an offensive hand sign. Meanwhile, Mbappe reportedly made an inappropriate gesture by grabbing his genitals in a derogatory manner.
Real Madrid could argue that their players reacted to provocation, as bottles and a lighter were reportedly thrown at them from the stands.
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