Cristiano Ronaldo charged by UEFA for Atletico Madrid celebration

Cristiano Ronaldo could be banned for Juventus’ crunch Champions League quarter-final clash with Ajax.

The forward’s hat-trick single-handedly put the Serie A giants through to the next round after ceding a two-goal deficit to Atletico Madrid in the first leg.

After bagging his third Ronaldo celebrated by emulating Atletico boss Diego Simeone – who celebrated in the first-leg by appearing to grab his crotch.

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The 34-year-old has subsequently found himself in hot water with European football’s governing body, after Simeone was also charged for the offence.

A UEFA statement read: “Following a disciplinary investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, in accordance with the Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR), disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Juventus Football Club and Club Atletico de Madrid, played on 12 March in Italy.

“Charges against Juventus Football Club: Improper conduct of player Cristiano Ronaldo – Art. 11 (2) (b) and Art. 11 (2) (d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.

“The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will deal with this case at its next meeting on 21 March 2019.”

Simeone was fined €20,000 by UEFA for his offence, although the Argentine did escape a ban.

Juventus subsequently await the outcome of Ronaldo’s charge with unease, who are set to face their Dutch opponents in Amsterdam on April 10.