UEFA Fines Ronaldo Over Goal Celebration

By Joshua Walters

UEFA has fined Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo €20,000 (£17,700) for the goal celebration in Juventus’ win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

“The CEDB has decided to fine the Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo 20,000 Euros (£17,700) for his improper conduct," reads a statement by UEFA.

The former Real Madrid striker appeared to be mimicking how Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simone, celebrated when the Spanish side beat Juventus 2-0 in Spain in the first-leg game at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Ronaldo turned the game on its head in the second leg in Turin, scoring two headers before converting a spot-kick, later on in the game, to win the game for the Bianconeri with a 3-2 aggregate.

The third goal erupted the entire Turin city as Ronaldo followed up the strike with a run to the corner-kick spot before several twists of his waist in front of the travelling fans.

Simone gave the same spectacle in front of the Juventus fans after his side's win in Spain and was fined for it, and the fate of Ronaldo was indifferent as the organisers have also imposed a fine on the Portuguese for the same offense.

The governing body imposed the same punishment as was given to the Argentine trainer, who was also fined £17,000 as the disciplinary committee found him guilty for improper conduct under Art. 11 (2) (b) and Art. 11 (2) (d) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations.

Ronaldo, like Simone, was spared of suspension, making him eligible to feature in the quarter-final duel with Dutch side Ajax next month.

Ronaldo will be in action for his national team on Friday for the first time after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as they play Ukraine for the Euro 2020 qualifiers.