Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid might be suspended by UEFA for fighting with Bukayo Saka at halftime of his team's Champions League loss to Arsenal.
Right-back injury On Wednesday night at the Bernabeu, Carvajal was seen in the tunnel area as the teams exited the pitch. The Spanish international accosted Saka and raised his hands as the England star made his way to the changing rooms.
When the Gunners winger pushed back after Carvajal placed his hand on the back of Saka's neck, staff members from both sides rushed to the scene, including Ben White, the Gunners replacement, who challenged Carvajal.
The Spanish daily Marca has confirmed what many had assumed was the cause of Carvajal's ire: Saka swiftly made his way down the tunnel and was entirely innocent of any wrongdoing.
They say that Saka's 'disrespectful' attempt to take a Panenka penalty against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, which Thibaut Courtois comfortably saved in the first half, infuriated the six-time Champions League champion.
Saka's mistake ultimately had no effect on the quarterfinal match's result, as the Gunners comfortably maintained their 3-0 first-leg advantage and advanced to a 5-1 aggregate semi-final matchup with Paris Saint-Germain.
Midway through the second half, Saka made up for his missed penalty with a brilliant strike to give the Gunners the lead. Vinicius Jr. then promptly equalised following a mistake by William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli burst through to give the visitors the victory in stoppage time.
Carvajal has been out since October due to an ACL injury. He watched the game from the stands at the Bernabeu before going down to the pitchside at halftime. Carvajal netted a Panenka penalties for Spain in the 2023 Nations League final shootout victory against Croatia.
Carvajal violated UEFA regulations by going to the technical area at halftime even though he was not allowed to be there as a spectator and was not a member of the team.
He may now be subject to a UEFA suspension, much as the one given to former Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso, who raced down the touchline and from the stands to celebrate his team's victory against Atletico Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final.
Alonso was banned for Real Madrid's match against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup final at the beginning of the next season after being suspended from the final and therefore not allowed to get on the field.
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