A Real Madrid star could face a hefty punishment from UEFA following his actions during last night’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg defeat against Arsenal.
Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners (5-1 on aggregate) thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, eliminating Real Madrid from the competition. As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side progressed to the final four and will face PSG after the Ligue 1 champions survived a scare against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Of course, Madrid will not feature in the Champions League until next year’s edition of the competition – but one of their key players could be banned.
Carvajal confronts saka at halftime
On Wednesday evening, Madrid captain Dani Carvajal appeared to confront Saka as the teams marched towards the tunnel during the half-time interval.
Carvajal, who is currently injured and was not included in the match day squad, was standing on the touchline of the pitch and appeared to offer a few words to his teammates before he approached Saka.
The exchange initially seemed harmless until the Spain international slapped the Englishman’s head and chest. Saka then appeared to become annoyed, before security and several members of the backroom staff intervened.
Potential suspension looms
Several reports from Spain have since suggested that Carvajal could face a suspension of up to four games as a result of his actions.
MARCA wrote: “Carvajal’s action could result in a punishment from the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Committee if he decides to enter the squad automatically, as he shouldn’t be in the Real Madrid technical area since he wasn’t included in the squad.”
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Meanwhile, AS suggested: “The right-back faces a possible four-match ban, according to Article 15 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations. Section 15.a.viii of this text stipulates a one-match ban for ‘taking part in a match when ineligible to play, if such a sanction is deemed appropriate’.”
The outlet also claims that the match official must have recorded the incident on the match report in order for it to be raised to UEFA.
Carvajal’s injury status
Carvajal has not featured since October 5 when he sustained a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during a La Liga match against Villarreal. He has since undergone surgery but is unlikely to return before the end of the season.
If UEFA decides to investigate the incident and impose a ban, it would further complicate Carvajal’s return to the field and could impact Real Madrid’s squad selection for future Champions League matches. The soccer world now awaits UEFA’s decision on this matter.
