According to Keith Hackett, several Real Madrid players might face suspensions but could potentially avoid them through the appeal process before their Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal. The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official stated that Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos are under investigation, and any disciplinary action could be delayed until UEFA concludes its inquiry.
These players have been accused of engaging in inappropriate celebrations following their team’s penalty-shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the previous round of the competition. Their actions have sparked controversy, drawing scrutiny from football authorities. UEFA is now assessing whether their behavior warrants punishment, and if so, how severe the sanctions should be.
Adding to the drama, Julian Alvarez’s penalty miss in the same match stirred further debate. A VAR review determined that his shot had deflected off both feet before entering the net, leading to Real Madrid’s advancement to the quarter-finals. The incident has contributed to the tension surrounding the upcoming fixture, with some suggesting that Madrid benefited from a fortunate decision.
With the Spanish club facing the possibility of losing key players due to suspensions, Arsenal could gain a significant advantage in the first leg scheduled for Tuesday, April 8. Hackett has described the Real Madrid players’ conduct as “unacceptable,” reinforcing the argument that disciplinary measures are necessary. The absence of multiple Madrid stars could weaken the Spanish side, giving Arsenal a better chance of progressing further in the tournament.
Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals with an emphatic 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven. Their dominant 7-1 victory in the Netherlands showcased their attacking prowess, and with Real Madrid potentially weakened, Arsenal’s chances of reaching the semi-finals could improve. Adding to their optimism, Bukayo Saka might be available for selection after recovering from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since December.
Hackett pointed out that UEFA has a history of imposing strict punishments for similar incidents, increasing speculation that Real Madrid players may be ruled out of the tie. Arsenal supporters are hopeful that UEFA’s disciplinary panel will take firm action, which could work in their team’s favor. However, the final decision is still pending as UEFA continues its investigation.
Despite the likelihood of suspensions, Real Madrid has the option to appeal, which could delay any bans. Hackett explained that the appeal process could extend the timeline for enforcing punishments, possibly allowing the accused players to participate in the upcoming matches. This legal maneuvering might be Madrid’s best hope of fielding a full-strength squad against Arsenal.
Arsenal is still chasing its first-ever Champions League title, having last reached the final in the 2005/06 season, where they suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. With Mikel Arteta under pressure to deliver silverware, success in Europe’s most prestigious club competition would be a major boost for the club and his managerial reputation.
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