UEFA to probe Real cheating incident

UEFA’s disciplinary unit have launched an investigation into the scandalous events in the Champions League clash between Ajax and Real Madrid last night, during which Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos seemed to deliberately incur yellow cards.

Real manager José Mourinho has denied that there was a deliberate attempt on behalf of the players or the management to deliberately incur the cards, which conveniently for the Spanish giants, rules both Alonso and Ramos out of their meaningless last group fixture against Auxerre and will wipe their disciplinary records ahead of the knockout stages.

The denials coming out of the Real Madrid camp fly in the face of all available evidence, such as the comical attempts of Xabi Alonso and particularly Sergio Ramos, to waste time prior to taking free kicks.

Furthermore, substitute goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek is reported to have relayed a message onto the pitch that Alonso and Ramos, already on yellow cards, should waste time in an attempt to get sent off, while Dutch television also showed Mourinho talking to Xabi Alonso on the sideline prior to his red card.

UEFA confirmed they were aware of the incidents and have instructed disciplinary officials to look into them before deciding whether any charges are to be brought.

Under article 5.1 of UEFA's regulations dealing with loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship both players could be charged and have their suspensions extended.