UEFA Charges Ronaldo For Atletico Goal Celebration

By Max Wise

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged by Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, for his groin-thrusting celebration against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last week.

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to help the Italian champions to overturn a 2-0 deficit suffered in the first leg to advance to the quarterfinal stage of the competition on a 3-2 aggregate.

A statement confirmed: “Following a disciplinary investigation conducted by a Uefa ethics and disciplinary inspector, in accordance with the Article 55 of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations, disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the Champions League round of 16 match between Juventus and Atlético Madrid.”

'Improper conduct of player Cristiano Ronaldo – Art. 11 (2) (b) and Art. 11 (2) (d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.'

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner could suffer the same fate as Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, who was handed a £20,000 fine for grabbing his crotch as he celebrated Atletico Madrid’s victory in the first leg.

Ronaldo will know his punishment on Thursday, March 21, when UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body meet.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri dismissed the possibility of Ronaldo receiving a ban for his celebration before the Bianconeri suffered their first league defeat of the season against Genoa at the weekend.

"Absolutely not," he said. "I think everyone celebrated their own way on the field and in the stands. I saw nothing strange, just a celebration. There won't be a ban."

Juventus have been drawn against Real Madrid’s conquerors, Ajax Amsterdam, in the quarterfinals with the first leg scheduled for April 10.