While two UEFA investigators are reviewing compromising videos of four of Carlo Ancelotti’s key players—namely Mbappé, Vinicius, Ceballos, and Rüdiger—the Italian manager should not fear a heavy sanction.
Atlético Madrid has pushed UEFA to open a case against Real Madrid, specifically targeting four of its players. Outraged by the celebrations of Ancelotti’s squad—particularly Antonio Rüdiger mimicking a violent gesture, Vinicius Junior taunting the opposition’s supporters, and Ceballos and Mbappé venting their emotions after their Champions League last-16 second-leg victory on 12 March—Colchoneros officials have lodged a formal complaint. To avoid being sanctioned by European football’s governing body over their own fans’ missile-throwing incidents, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo has turned the focus onto the Madrid side.
Warning or fine, but no suspension expected
In a dossier containing multiple videos of Ancelotti’s four key players celebrating their qualification in a provocative manner, Atlético’s management has urged UEFA to investigate. Given the circumstances—especially since the Colchoneros are still fuming over Julián Álvarez’s disallowed penalty during the shootout—UEFA officials have now formally announced the opening of an inquiry. While many Madrid supporters are outraged by this decision from Aleksander Čeferin’s organisation, Ancelotti remained composed when addressing the media on Friday.
Indeed, when discussing the matter in his press conference, Carlo Ancelotti expressed full confidence in UEFA and assured that everything was in order. When trying to determine the potential punishment for Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Ceballos, it appears that there is little to worry about. Should UEFA conclude that the players’ celebrations violated its disciplinary code, the likely outcome would be a warning or a fine.
While the possibility of a suspension for the next match exists, the chances of such a severe penalty being imposed are slim to none. Real Madrid’s management remains calm, knowing that no major sanction is expected to affect the team. Unless UEFA unexpectedly decides to make an example of Real Madrid—the ultimate Champions League specialists whom many rivals would love to see fall—there should be no significant consequences for Ancelotti’s squad. With just a week to go before the first-leg clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Los Blancos are preparing with confidence.
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