Real Madrid faces potential suspensions for Mbappé, Rüdiger, Vinícius before UCL quarterfinal

It is a shocking scenario. Real Madrid is at risk of losing key players before the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarterfinal against Arsenal.

Currently, there are as many as four players being discussed for suspension. Kylian Mbappé (27), Antonio Rüdiger (32), Vinícius Júnior (25), and Dani Ceballos (29). Except for Ceballos, all are essential resources that the team cannot afford to lose.

The British 'Telegraph' reported on the 28th (Korean time) that "Real Madrid players could be banned from playing due to obscene behavior. Four players, including Mbappé, Rüdiger, and Vinícius, are at risk of missing the match against Arsenal in the UCL quarterfinal due to an incident with Atlético Madrid fans."

The media noted that "UEFA has initiated an investigation into the allegations of 'obscene acts.' They appointed an ethics and disciplinary researcher to investigate the actions of the Real Madrid quartet in the UCL round of 16 against Atlético." It explained that this could lead to a suspension.

Real Madrid lost 0-1 to Atlético in the second leg of the UCL round of 16 for the 2024-2025 season, held at the Civitas Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, on the 13th. However, thanks to a victory in the first leg (2-1), they entered extra time with an aggregate score of 2-2, and secured the ticket to the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout.

That day, Real Madrid fell behind just one minute into the match when Conor Gallagher scored. They endured pressure from Atlético afterward but managed not to concede any further goals, leading to extra time. The balance was not broken by a goal until the end of 120 minutes of extra time.

The fiercely contested Madrid derby was decided in a fateful penalty shootout. Atlético's second kicker, Julián Álvarez, shook the net, but video review determined it was a 'two-touch' due to him having touched the ball with his standing foot. The referee confirmed this and canceled Julián's goal.

Moreover, Atlético faced further misfortune when their fourth kicker, Marcos Llorente, hit the post. Ultimately, the last winner was Real Madrid. Rüdiger scored, sealing the victory for the team.

However, the possibility of unexpected disciplinary action has been raised. Right after the match, the excessive victory celebration by Real Madrid players became controversial, leading to UEFA launching an investigation. It is reported that Atlético submitted four videos containing evidence to UEFA.

In videos shared on social media, Rüdiger was seen making a gesture of cutting his throat toward Atlético fans. Mbappé was captured making a gesture resembling holding his genitals with his left hand, and Vinícius clashed with fans throughout the match. Ceballos was also seen making what is known as a sexually suggestive and vulgar gesture called 'fist punch' in the videos.

Jude Bellingham also faced a similar situation last summer during UEFA Euro 2024. At that time, he grabbed his groin after scoring against Slovakia and received a one-match suspension (with one year deferment) and a fine of £25,000 (approximately 47 million won). Bellingham's teammates could find themselves in the same situation.

However, it is uncertain whether UEFA will make a decision before the quarterfinal against Arsenal. The Telegraph stated, "If one of Rüdiger, Vinícius, or Mbappé is lost, it will be a significant blow for the defending champions Real Madrid. Vinícius and Mbappé have scored a total of 50 goals this season," while noting, "It is still unknown whether the investigation and disciplinary process will be completed by the quarterfinal. The first leg against Arsenal will be held on April 8."

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