UEFA make decision on banning four Real Madrid stars for Arsenal clash

Four Real Madrid players have learned of the results of a UEFA investigation ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash against Arsenal.

The players in question are Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Dani Ceballos, who allegedly made gestures towards home fans during/after Real’s penalty-shootout victory against Atletico last month.

There were fears that some or even all of the aforementioned players could be banned for the fixture against Arsenal.

Now, all four have learned of the investigation’s result. Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta and his side, Rudiger, Mbappe, Vini Jr and Ceballos have avoided bans and will be available for selection – although Rudiger has been fined €40,000.

A UEFA statement read: “Following the investigation of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings were opened against the following Real Madrid CF players, Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández for potentially violating the basic rules of decent conduct (Art. 11(2)(b) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations).

“No disciplinary proceedings were opened against Real Madrid CF player, Vinícius Júnior.

“The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions: To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Antonio Rüdiger, €40,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.

Real Madrid play Arsenal on Tuesday (Credit:Getty)

“To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Kylian Mbappé, €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision. To fine Real Madrid CF player, Mr. Daniel Ceballos Fernández, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”

However, there are a couple of reasons to be positive for the Premier League side as French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is banned due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

While, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could miss out due to concerns regarding his fitness.

Before Carlo Ancelotti's side travel to London for the Champions League tie, they will face Valencia in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Arsenal travel to Merseyside, where they will take on Everton at Goodison Park.