8 July 2025
UEFA rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the sanctions imposed on three of its players for behavior deemed "unsporting" during the team's match against Atlético Madrid.
The incident dates back to March 12, during a match between the two teams at the Metropolitano Stadium in the Champions League round of 16, which Real Madrid won 4-2 on penalties.
The match witnessed controversial celebrations by several Real Madrid players, including Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, and Dani Ceballos, after the match ended.
UEFA fined Rüdiger €40,000 for making a "neck-cutting" gesture towards the fans, while Mbappé was fined €30,000 for making a gesture deemed inappropriate during his celebration.
Dani Ceballos was fined €20,000 for provoking opposing fans as he left the pitch. In addition to the fines, UEFA decided to impose one-match suspensions on each of the three players, to be implemented only if such behavior is repeated within the next year.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid justified its players' actions by claiming they were a reaction to the provocations they received from Atletico Madrid fans, who threw objects at them during the celebrations.
However, UEFA rejected this justification, asserting that the behavior did not comply with the rules of sporting discipline.
In a related development, Brazilian Vinicius Junior was investigated for gestures he made after the match, including imitating the "crying" gesture and the "15-0" sign. However, the investigating inspector determined that his behavior did not amount to a penalty, and the case was closed without disciplinary action.
Real Madrid was also fined €15,000 for a Nazi salute one of its fans made during the first leg against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The federation warned the club that it would be banned from selling tickets to away matches if the racist behaviour was repeated within a year.
