Will Ronaldo be banned for Juventus' Champions League quarter-final vs Ajax?

UEFA has opened an investigation into Cristiano Ronaldo’s explicit gesture during Juventus’ Champions League comeback against Atletico Madrid last week. Decision will be made on March 21

Ronaldo had been struggling to reach his usual high standards in the competition this season, with just one goal in six appearances prior to the second leg, but when the moment demanded it, he delivered.

However, there are concerns that Ronaldo could miss at least one of the last-eight games because the Portuguese star now faces a possible suspension.

We take a look at what Ronaldo did to risk a ban and whether he will actually be punished by UEFA.

What did Cristiano Ronaldo do to risk a ban?

Ronaldo is never shy about confronting his critics and, having endured taunting from Atletico fans over the two legs, he didn't waste the opportunity to revel in the afterglow of his tie-winning performance.

After scoring all three goals to eliminate the Liga side, Ronaldo excitedly celebrated with his team-mates in front of supporters but made a controversial gesture with his hands towards his groin.

The gesture was likely inspired by a similar move made by Atletico head coach Diego Simeone in his side's first-leg win over Juve, which the Argentine explained was a message to the fans watching the game that his team had "balls, a lot of balls."

When asked about Ronaldo's celebration in the post-game press conference following the second leg, Simeone said: "I'm sure Cristiano made the gesture with the same intention I did, with his people."

Indeed, Ronaldo's team-mate Giorgio Chiellini used similar terminology after the second-leg triumph, telling Sky Sport Italia that Juventus "put [their] cojones into the match."

Mundo Deportivo have also reported that the former Manchester United star allegedly called Atleti fans "sons of b*tches".

Will Cristiano Ronaldo be banned?

UEFA confirmed on March 18 that a disciplinary investigation had been opened into the incident, with a hearing date set for March 21. The charge is "improper conduct".

It is unclear whether Ronaldo will receive a ban for his gesture, but he will probably be fined at a minimum.

Simeone was fined €20,000 by UEFA after the governing body concluded that his controversial celebration constituted "improper conduct", but the Atleti coach escaped a touchline ban.

A suspension could be warranted if the Juve attacker is found to have goaded Atletico fans. However, if not, the course of action against Ronaldo is likely to be a fine only, as in the case of Simeone.

Simeone was found to have violated Article 11.2 of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations - engaging in conduct that is "insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct" - and Ronaldo's mimicry of the Argentine's behaviour means that he too could be found in breach.