Real Madrid players are expected to face suspensions but may avoid them through the appeal process before their Champions League clash with Arsenal, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official told *Football Insider* that Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos could delay their bans while UEFA’s ongoing investigation continues.

The four players have been accused of “indecent” celebrations following their side’s penalty-shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the previous round of the Champions League.

Former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez’s penalty “miss” added to the controversy, as a VAR review deemed his effort had struck both feet, allowing Real Madrid to progress to the quarter-finals.

Now, with the Spanish giants facing possible suspensions for what Hackett has described as “unacceptable” conduct, Mikel Arteta’s team could gain a significant advantage for the first leg on Tuesday, 8 April.

Arsenal could benefit from Real Madrid suspensions

Arsenal secured their quarter-final spot by defeating PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate, largely thanks to an emphatic 7-1 win in the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, while Real Madrid could be missing key players, Bukayo Saka might be ready to return for Arsenal, having been out with a hamstring injury since December.

Hackett explained to *Football Insider* that UEFA has a history of imposing “strong sanctions” in such cases, raising hopes among Arsenal supporters that Real’s stars will be sidelined for the tie.

However, if the Spanish club appeals the sanctions, the process may drag on, potentially allowing the players to feature in the upcoming home and away fixtures.

Real Madrid may delay bans with appeal

Speaking about the possible punishment, Hackett told *Football Insider*:

“The gestures made by Real Madrid players while celebrating were unacceptable, and UEFA has a track record of issuing strong sanctions when such incidents—though rare—occur. A player making a throat-slitting gesture is not acceptable.

“I expect a punishment, which could rule them out of the Arsenal match. However, one factor that might affect the timing of any ban is whether Real Madrid lodges an appeal.”

Arsenal are still chasing their first-ever Champions League title, having last reached the final in 2005/06, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona.

With Arteta under pressure to deliver silverware and win over critics, triumphing in Europe’s biggest club competition would significantly strengthen his position.