FIFA officials have broken their silence on the incident involving Dani Carvajal and Bukayo Saka during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. According to reports, Carvajal, who was not part of the matchday squad due to an injury, confronted Saka at half-time, grabbing his neck and engaging in a verbal exchange. This altercation could lead to a suspension for Carvajal, potentially up to four matches, based on UEFA's disciplinary regulations.
Possible Charges:
- Participating in a match when ineligible: Carvajal wasn't included in the matchday squad, making his actions potentially punishable under Section 15.a.viii of UEFA's disciplinary regulations.
- Assaulting another player: Carvajal's actions, including slapping Saka's head and chest, could lead to additional charges and a longer suspension.
Regulations:
- Section 15.a.viii of UEFA's disciplinary regulations states that participating in a match when ineligible can result in a suspension of one or more matches, "if such suspension is deemed appropriate".
- A similar precedent is Xabi Alonso's one-match ban for entering the pitch during the 2014 Champions League final while serving a suspension.