UEFA probes Ronaldo for ‘improper conduct’ over goal celebration
UEFA on Monday opened an investigation into Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal celebration after scoring a hattrick in Juventus’ Champions League comeback win against Atletico Madrid last week.
European football’s governing body said Ronaldo was facing charges of “improper conduct” after he mimicked Diego Simeone’s gesture in last Tuesday’s 3-0 win that sent Juventus through 3-2 on aggregate, AFP reported.
After scoring the decisive penalty four minutes from time, Ronaldo turned toward the Atletico fans and replicated Simeone’s gesture after the Spaniards’ 2-0 first leg win.
A decision will be taken by UEFA on March 21.
Juventus takes on Dutch club Ajax in the Champions League quarterfinals over two legs, on April 10 in Amsterdam and April 16 in Turin.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri has said he is confident Ronaldo will not be fined or suspended.
“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,” said Allegri.
Simeone was fined €20,000 ($22,000) by UEFA for his gesture.
“He will have seen how I did it at the Wanda Metropolitano and, like me, was trying to show his character,” said the Argentinian coach.
Five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo is the record goal scorer in the European competition with 124 goals in 160 matches.