Cristiano Ronaldo to be investigated for 'provocative' celebration against Atletico Madrid

UEFA on Monday opened an investigation into Cristiano Ronaldo's goal celebration after scoring a hat-trick in Juventus' Champions League comeback win against Atletico Madrid last week. European football's governing body said Ronaldo was facing charges of "improper conduct" after he mimicked Diego Simeone's crotch-grabbing 'cojones' gesture in last Tuesday's 3-0 win that sent Juventus through 3-2 on aggregate. After scoring the decisive penalty four minutes from time, Ronaldo turned towards the Atletico fans and replicated Simeone's gesture after the Spaniards' 2-0 first leg win by grasping his genitals and thrusting out his groin. A decision will be taken by UEFA on March 21.

Juventus take on Dutch club Ajax in the Champions League quarter-finals over two legs, on April 10 in Amsterdam and April 16 in Turin. Coach Massimiliano Allegri has said he is confident Ronaldo will not be fined or suspended.

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"I think everyone celebrated their own way on the field and in the stands. I saw nothing strange, just a celebration. There won't be a ban," said Allegri. Simeone was fined 20,000 euros (USD 22,000) by UEFA for his gesture.

"He will have seen how I did it at the Wanda Metropolitano and, like me, was trying to show his character," said the Argentinian coach. Five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo is the record goal scorer in the European competition with 124 goals in 160 matches.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Juventus defeated Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
• Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to boost Juventus.
• Juventus will take on Ajax in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.