ARSENAL could be handed a massive Champions League boost with FOUR Real Madrid potentially BANNED from next month’s quarter final clash.
Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Caballos, all face an official Uefa probe for their antics against Atletico Madrid in the last-16.
A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of “indecent conduct” by all four players.
The unspecified incidents occurred during Real’s second leg last-16 victory against city rivals Atletico on March 12.
Their punishment, if found guilty, is not yet known.
But IF they are banned, it could be a huge advantage for Arsenal, who are missing several key players through injury.
The Gunners host the 15-time European champions Tuesday 8, with the return leg at the Bernaebu the following Wednesday.
And Vinicius and Mbappe are joint-highest in club goals in the Champions League this season (seven goals apiece).
Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals in a controversial 4-2 shootout after Atletico won the second leg 1-0 to tie the aggregate score at 2-2.
Tensions were high at the Metropolitano before, and after, Julian Alvarez’ spot-kick was disqualified by VAR.
Atletico are understood to have filed a formal complaint to Uefa, which then began its investigation.
Vinicius was the most high-profile case, as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atleti supporters during and after the clash.
The Brazilian, long targeted by rival fans and who has been a regular victim of racist abuse, was involved in two separate confrontations with home fans before and after the shoot-out.
The 24-year-old skied a penalty in normal time and had been substituted in extra-time but taunted them by pointing to the Real crest on his coat.
Rudiger aimed a throat-cutting gesture at Atleti supporters, while Ceballos is alleged to have “cut his sleeves” as an act of provocation.
The German centre-back – who won his first Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 – began a jubilant high-knee dance after scoring the winning penalty on the night.
Most of the team followed, with subs imitating it.
And in regards to Mbappe, was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.
Diego Simeone was banned for grabbing his bits during a Champions League match against Juventus.
Real are likely to point out that their players were hit by bottles and other objects thrown by home supporters but the investigation could end up with serious repercussions.
It remains to be seen whether Rudiger, Ceballos, Vinicius or Mbappe are charged by Uefa over these incidents.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Read the full article here
