The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have confirmed that they have launched an investigation for Cristiano Ronaldo’s misdemeanour against Atletico Madrid.
In the match which took place on March 12, Ronaldo netted a hat-trick to oust Atletico Madrid out of the Champions League. At a specific moment during the match, Cristiano mocked Atletico manager Diego Simeone’s ‘cojones’ celebration.
The celebration in question which sees a player place both of his hands in front of his crotch is deemed offensive under UEFA’s rulebook and they have launched an investigation in which if found guilty, Ronaldo’s punishment could lead to him getting banned for one or more matches.
An official statement read:
“Following a disciplinary investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Juventus Football Club and Club Atlético de Madrid, played on 12 March in Italy.
Charges against Juventus Football Club:
– Improper conduct of player Cristiano Ronaldo – Art. 11 (2) (b) and Art. 11 (2) (d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will deal with this case at its next meeting on 21 March.”
Since Simeone was charged for the same gesture which he did during Atletico’s first-leg match against Juventus and was subsequently fined 20,000 euros, it is expected that the 33-year-old forward might face the same fate.