UEFA has fined Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger for their “indecent” celebrations after their Champions League win against Atletico Madrid but confirmed they will still be available to face Arsenal.
The European football body announced on Friday, April 4, that both players were given suspended one-match bans for “violating the basic rules of decent conduct” following their penalty shootout victory on March 12.
The bans are suspended for one year, meaning Mbappe and Rudiger will only miss a game if they commit a similar offence within that period.
This clears the way for both players to feature in the crucial Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Video clips from the Atletico match showed Mbappe grabbing his crotch in celebration, which led to criticism from fans and officials.
UEFA said Rudiger was fined €40,000 while Mbappe was fined €30,000. Another Madrid player, Dani Ceballos, was also fined €20,000 but was not given any match ban.
Vinicius Junior, who had also been under investigation for his role in the post-match celebrations, was not charged.
Real Madrid fans will be relieved to know their key players are available for the clash with Arsenal, even as UEFA reminded clubs and players to maintain discipline both on and off the pitch.
