March 22 – Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided a ban and instead been fined €20,000 euros by UEFA for his controversial goal celebration in Juventus’ win over Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, clearing him to play in the quarterfinals.
The 34-year-old appeared to mimic Atletico boss Diego Simeone, who turned to fans and grabbed his crotch during his side’s 2-0 first-leg victory which was subsequently overturned by Juve’s 3-0 second-leg triumph, The Argentinean was also fined €20,000 for the offence.
Ronaldo made the gesture after completing his hat-trick and was found guilty of improper conduct and fined the same amount imposed on Simeone for his own “obscene” gesture.
UEFA announced the sanction of its control, ethics and disciplinary body in a short statement on Thursday afternoon. The forward was facing an improper conduct charge under Art. 11 (2) (b) and Art. 11 (2) (d) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations. The UEFA statement read: “The CEDB has decided to fine the Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo 20,000 Euros (£17,700) for his improper conduct.”
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