Amid an ongoing investigation over whether Kylian Mbappe – and a triumvirate of his Real Madrid teammates – should be banned for their Champions League meeting with Arsenal, new and potentially damning footage of the French talisman has emerged.
Mikel Arteta and his men, who are desperately striving for silverware this campaign, could be handed a massive boost in their pursuit of European glory as the availability of Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Dani Ceballos and Antonio Rudiger is in serious doubt.
Real Madrid's quartet of stars are being investigated by UEFA – following allegations of ‘indecent conduct’ – on the back of the post-match scenes of their penalty shootout victory over city neighbours Atletico Madrid in the previous round of the competition.
Atletico have reportedly sent four videos to UEFA
Carlo Ancelotti, in order to protect his players amid a busy schedule, has backed his men to be cleared of any alleged wrongdoing. In announcing that UEFA are looking to get to the bottom of the allegations, a spokesperson said:
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Jinor) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025."
Understandably in high spirits, those in the fabled white of Los Blancos – including the likes of Endrick and Jude Bellingham – were bouncing up and down in jubilation in front of the away contingent, but their actions could have serious repercussions.
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Rudiger, as mentioned, is one of the names under investigation after he allegedly made a throat-slitting gesture, while Vinicius Jr reportedly clashed with Atletico supporters. Elsewhere, Ceballos is also accused of making an offensive gesture.
New footage of the post-match celebrations has now emerged, which could land Mbappe – commonly admired as one of the greatest players in world football – in hot water as it appears that he touched his genitals in a derogatory manner. View footage below:
Per Mail Online, it is believed that Atletico – who currently sit third in La Liga's 2024/25 standings – sent four separate videos, including one of Mbappe’s gesture, to UEFA as a means of building their case. They believe their collection of footage outlines each offence.
Ancelotti’s men are due to travel to London on April 8 for the first leg of their Champions League tie before welcoming the Gunners to the Santiago Bernabeu eight days later – however, they are still waiting to hear the verdict from their investigation.
A ban in retrospect could prevent one – or even, some – of Ancelotti’s key men from travelling to England (and playing in the return leg) in their chase for Champions League glory in May. There is, however, no guarantee of such action being taken.