A Real Madrid star could face a hefty punishment from UEFA after his actions during last night’s Champions League quarter-final second leg defeat against Arsenal.
Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory on the night (5-1 on aggregate) over Real Madrid, with goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli bookending a strike from Vinicius Junior. The result sees Mikel Arteta’s side through to the Champions League semi-finals, where they’ll face PSG, who narrowly edged past Aston Villa.
While Real Madrid are now out of the competition until next season, controversy continues to swirl — particularly around an incident involving club captain Dani Carvajal.
Though injured and not part of the matchday squad, Carvajal was present on the sidelines and appeared to confront Saka as the teams headed to the tunnel at halftime. What began as a seemingly harmless exchange took a sharp turn when Carvajal was seen slapping Saka lightly on the head and chest.
Saka appeared visibly irritated by the interaction before security personnel and coaching staff stepped in to de-escalate the situation. The incident has sparked debate over Carvajal’s conduct, and disciplinary action may yet follow, with UEFA likely to review the footage.
For now, Real Madrid are left to reflect on a disappointing European exit — and potentially, on a looming suspension for their captain.
Following the heated moment between Dani Carvajal and Bukayo Saka during Real Madrid’s Champions League exit, reports in Spain indicate that the Spanish right-back could face disciplinary action — potentially a suspension of up to four matches.
According to MARCA, Carvajal’s presence in the technical area — despite not being part of the matchday squad — could lead to sanctions from UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Committee. The outlet notes that Carvajal should not have been within that zone during the game, especially given he’s currently sidelined through injury.
AS added that under Article 15 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Section 15.a.viii, a player can be banned for “taking part in a match when ineligible to play, if such a sanction is deemed appropriate.” This could lead to a one-match suspension at minimum, and possibly more depending on the committee’s judgment.
However, for any action to be taken, it’s crucial that the match officials included the incident in their post-match report. If so, UEFA will review the situation and determine whether disciplinary proceedings are warranted.
Carvajal, who has been out since October due to a serious ACL injury, is already unlikely to return this season — but a suspension could affect his availability for the start of the next campaign.
