Antonio Rüdiger (center) must pay the price. © APA/afp / OSCAR DEL POZO

Head-off gesture: Penalties for Rüdiger and Mbappé

National player Antonio Rüdiger has been punished by UEFA after his head-off gesture in the Champions League round of 16 match against Atlético Madrid.

04 April 2025

From: do

The central defender received a one-match ban from European competition "for violating the basic rules of good conduct," but the sentence was suspended for one year. Rüdiger must also pay a fine of €40.000.

Rüdiger is therefore eligible to play in the quarterfinal first leg against Arsenal next Tuesday. In the heat of the second leg against city rivals Atlético, the 32-year-old was tempted to make the famous "head-off" gesture with his right thumb after winning the penalty shootout.

Mbappé also punished

Two of Rüdiger's teammates were also sanctioned for misconduct. French star striker Kylian Mbappé, like Rüdiger, received a one-match suspended ban (1 year) and a €30.000 fine. Dani Ceballos must pay €20.000. No disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Vinícius Júnior, whose conduct was also investigated.

The Frenchman also has to pay. © APA/afp / JAVIER SORIANO

Atlético and the fans of the host club felt provoked and insulted by the Real Madrid players' celebrations. UEFA, according to its own statement, appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the behavior.