Real Madrid’s Mbappe and Rudiger Cleared for Champions League Action, But Both Hit with Fines.
Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger have been cleared to play in their Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal after UEFA imposed suspended bans and fines for “indecent” celebrations following the previous round.
Both players were handed a one-match suspended ban for violating UEFA’s basic rules of decent conduct, with the governing body announcing the decision on Friday. They are now under a one-year probationary period.
The pair’s charges stemmed from celebrations after Madrid’s penalty shootout win over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 on March 12. Video footage circulating on social media showed Mbappe engaging in inappropriate behavior on the field, including grabbing his crotch.
UEFA fined Rudiger €40,000 ($44,000), Mbappe €30,000 ($33,000), and a third Madrid player, Dani Ceballos, €20,000 ($22,000), though Ceballos avoided a suspended ban. No charges were brought against Vinicius Junior, who had also been under investigation.
Madrid will face Arsenal on Tuesday in the first leg of the quarterfinals.
