Real Madrid defender, Dani Carvajal, may be in hot water with UEFA following a controversial incident during his side’s Champions League quarter-final second leg loss to Arsenal.
Despite Vinicius Junior finding the net, goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli ensured a 2-1 win for the Gunners on the night and a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory, securing their place in the semi-finals where they will meet PSG.
The French champions had narrowly edged past Aston Villa on Tuesday.
While Real Madrid are now out of the competition and won’t return until the next edition, Carvajal’s involvement in a heated moment during Wednesday’s match could see him punished.
Though sidelined with injury and absent from the matchday squad, the Madrid skipper was seen on the touchline and appeared to share some words with teammates.
However, he later approached Saka as both teams headed for the tunnel at half-time.
The interaction started off seemingly without incident but took a turn when Carvajal slapped the Arsenal winger on the head and chest.
Saka reacted with visible irritation, prompting intervention from security personnel and members of the technical staff.
Spanish publication MARCA noted, “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.”
Similarly, AS added, “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 enforcement of any disciplinary measure may hinge on whether the referee included the incident in his official report.
Carvajal, who last played on October 5 before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Villarreal, has undergone surgery and is expected to remain sidelined for the rest of the season.
