Champions League: Head-AB gestures: Penalties for Real Stars Rüdiger and Mbappé

National player Antonio Rüdiger was punished by UEFA after his head-to-head in the round of 16 of the Champions League against Atlético Madrid. The central defender conceded a one-game lock for European competition “because of the violation of the basic rules of good behavior”, but the punishment was suspended for one year. In addition, Rüdiger has to pay a fine of 40,000 euros.

In the quarter-final first leg at FC Arsenal next Tuesday, Rüdiger is eligible to play. In the second leg against city rival Atlético, the 32-year-old had been carried away after the penalty shoot-out in the zeal of the battle to make the well-known head-to-time gesture with his right thumb.

Two of Rüdiger’s teammates were also sanctioned due to misconduct. Like Rüdiger, France’s striker Kylian Mbappé collected a lock from a game on probation (1 year) and a 30,000 euro money penalty. Dani Ceballos has to pay 20,000 euros. No disciplinary procedure was initiated against Vinícius Júnior, whose behavior was also examined.

Atlético and the fans of the host club had felt and insulted by the jubilee scenes of real professionals. According to its own statement, the European Football Union UEFA had appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to examine the behavior.