ROME - Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged 20,000 euros for improper conduct after UEFA opened an investigation into his inappropriate goal celebration during Juventus’ Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.

 Ronaldo scored a hattrick as Juventus overturned a 2-0 first leg deficit against the Spanish outfit to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals earlier in March.

 However, he appeared to grab his crotch when celebrating his third, and decisive, goal in imitation of Atletico manager Diego Simeone who had celebrated in similar fashion when his side took the first leg.

 Ronaldo’s fine is equivalent to that handed to Simeone, and crucially for the Bianconeri it means he will not miss any of their next Champions League ties.

 Juventus are set to face Dutch team Ajax, who knocked out holders Real Madrid in stunning fashion in the previous round, in the quarter-finals of the competition, with the first leg to be played on 10 March.

ea