'I was just joking around' - Antonio Rudiger defends his and Kylian Mbappe's mocking of Atletico Madrid fans that landed Real Madrid defender a €40k fine

Rudiger has defended the controversial celebrations that led to a €40,000 UEFA fine and suspended ban after mocking Atletico Madrid fans alongside the French superstar Kylian Mbappe. The Bernabeu defender called it harmless fun amid provocation from the stands.

After Madrid’s Champions League round of 16 win over Los Rojiblancos, Rudiger along with teammates including Mbappe, ran in front of the home supporters laughing and lifting their knees in a provocative gesture. The defender’s animated reaction drew disciplinary action, as UEFA imposed a one-match European ban for violating post-match conduct rules. However, the ban is suspended for one year. This incident follows earlier sanctions, including a six-match domestic suspension for throwing tape at a referee during the Clasico final. The German centre-back’s fiery temperament continues to divide opinion.

Rudiger defended the antics in an interview with Amazon Prime (via sport1): “We played against Atletico and were booed. Insults and everything. We only went there because our fans were higher up. So I was just joking around, that's part of it.”

Real Madrid face Al-Hilal in the first game of their Club World Cup campaign later this month.