Real Madrid are fearful a suspension could be coming as they wait for the verdict of a UEFA investigation into four of their players.
The 15-time European champions take on Arsenal in the Champions League quarter final first leg on Tuesday but are anxiously waiting to see if any of their stars will be punished in relation to behaviour from the round of 16 second leg.
Real beat city rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw, with Antonio Rudiger squeezing in the winning penalty after Julian Alvarez's effort was controversially chalked off and former Los Blancos player Marco Llorente hit the bar.
But afterwards, an investigation was opened following the antics of Rudiger and teammates Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Jr.
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They celebrated in front of Atletico supporters at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with Rudiger seen doing a gesture of “putting a hand around his neck” and Mbappe for "touching his genitals”.
Vinicius was said to have provoked a "confrontation with the crowd", while Ceballos was also accused of an offensive gesturing the celebrations.
A UEFA statement read: "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.
“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
The official outcome is set to be confirmed on Friday, mere days before the clash at the Emirates, but Real are worried that a ban is on the way for Rudiger.
According to MARCA, his alleged throat-slitting gesture was seen as threatening and fear that his case is "different" and could result in a sanction which is more severe than a fine.
Real fear the worst for Rudiger
While they expect the others to get a fine or suspended ban, there is a concern that the centre-back could serve a one-game ban which would rule him out of the first leg.
It would be a huge blow for Carlo Ancelotti and Real, who may have to reshuffle their backline. The Spanish giants conceded four at home to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final but Rudiger came off the bench to score the winner in extra time to make it 5-4.
Arsenal have issues in defence themselves though, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber picking up injuries in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Fulham - though the later is said to be fine.
However, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed out on the squad over fitness concerns.
Topics: Real Madrid, Champions League, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal
Josh Lawless