Real Madrid’s experienced defender Dani Carvajal could face serious consequences after getting involved in an incident during their Champions League exit.
The event took place at Santiago Bernabéu during the second leg of the quarter-final between Real Madrid and Arsenal. Carvajal, who has been sidelined since October with a knee injury, was not included in the matchday squad.
In a video that went viral on social media, Carvajal can be seen standing on the sidelines as the players walked towards the tunnel after a goalless first half. He shook hands with teammates and was seen speaking to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who had missed a penalty earlier in the match. The veteran, who has won six Champions League titles with Madrid, also touched Saka’s head and lightly tapped his chest. Saka appeared to respond as well.
Up to that point, everything seemed calm. But as Saka began walking away, Carvajal grabbed his hand, and the two exchanged heated words. The Real Madrid captain then touched Saka’s neck from behind, prompting others nearby to intervene and separate them.
According to Spanish media reports, Carvajal could face a strict punishment and might be suspended for up to four matches. UEFA regulations state that he was not permitted to be in the technical area since he was not part of the official squad for the game.
A similar incident occurred in 2016 when Xabi Alonso was banned for one match after celebrating a goal by running from his seat near the bench to the pitch, despite being injured. As a result, Alonso missed the UEFA Super Cup final the following season.
This is not the first time Real Madrid players have found themselves in trouble during the Champions League this season. After defeating Atlético Madrid in a penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals, Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Ceballos were fined for celebrating in front of the opposition fans. Mbappé and Rüdiger were also handed one-match suspensions, although those were deferred for a year.
Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League after losing 2-1 in the second leg against Arsenal, resulting in a 5-1 aggregate defeat — a heavy blow for the 15-time European champions.
