Angel di Maria will not be punished by Real Madrid after he was caught on camera grabbing his crotch when substituted at the weekend against Celta Vigo in La Liga.
There has been much controversy this week about whether the action was deliberate towards the home support who had booed and jeered di Maria after he put in a below par performance. But an internal inquiry carried out concluded there was no need to punish the player.
Speaking about the incident earlier this week, di Maria, who was replaced by Gareth Bale in the match, said the action was a natural gesture as he was adjusting his shorts. He also apologised if anyone was offended.
A club statement read: “It is not possible to conclude that Di Maria was responsible for any offensive gestures and lack of respect towards the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu on January 6 and therefore he committed no offence worthy of disciplinary action.”
Manager Carlo Ancelotti said in his press conference ahead of the side’s match with Osasuna in the Copa del Rey that the matter was storm in a teacup and that he wanted everyone to move on so the 25-year-old could focus on playing football.
