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Real Madrid stars are likely to be banned but could be saved by the appeal process ahead of facing Arsenal in the Champions League, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos could all delay their punishments after the UEFA investigation which is currently in progress.

The quartet are accused of “indecent” celebrations following the La Liga giant’s penalty-shootout win over rivals Atletico Madrid in the previous round of the Champions League.

Former Man City striker Julian Alvarez’s penalty “miss” made the defeat all the more controversial, with his effort in the shootout deemed to have off both feet after a VAR review, allowing Real to advance to the quarter-finals.

However, with Los Blancos now facing potential bans to key stars, for what Hackett has dubbed “unacceptable” behaviour, Mikel Arteta‘s side could be handed a huge advantage in the first leg on Tuesday, 8 April

Arsenal potentially handed key advantage ahead of Real Madrid tie

Arsenal set up a quarter-final clash after beating PSV Eindhoven over two legs with an aggregate score of 9-3, mainly thanks to an opening 7-1 win in the Netherlands.

It also appears that while Real could be without several key stars Bukayo Saka might just be about ready to return for Arsenal, having been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury.

With Hackett telling Football Insider that UEFA have a record of taking “strong sanctions” with these types of incidents, the majority of supporters at the Emirates will be positive of such a decision being made ahead of the tie.

However, if the La Liga side chooses to appeal against the punishment, it could be too little too late for the Gunners as they prepare for home and away Champions League fixtures next month.

Arsenal’s potential journey to the Champions League finalDates

Real Madrid could help themselves with appeal against UEFA

Speaking to Football Insider about the potential punishment for Real, the former referee said:

“The gestures by the Real Madrid players celebrating a goal were unacceptable, and UEFA have a record of taking strong sanctions when these incidents, albeit rare, take place. A player indicating a throat slitting action is unacceptable.

“I expect a sanction, and yes, this could mean them missing the Arsenal game. One aspect, however, that could affect the timing of any sanction is if Real Madrid put in an appeal.”

The Gunners are yet to lift the Champions League title, having last come runner-up during the 2005/2006 season, eventually losing 2-1 to Barcelona in the final.

With Arteta under pressure and fighting to keep Arsenal fans on his side, lifting such an important piece of silverware would give him the much-needed credit to keep his harshest critics at bay.