UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos for allegedly picking up a yellow card on purpose.
European football's governing body has charged the Spanish international under Article 15, which could lead to at least a two-match suspension.
Ramos was booked for a reckless foul on Ajax forward Kasper Dolberg in the 89th minute of the first leg of Real Madrid's last-16 Champions League tie.
Real Madrid had put themselves in a commanding position in their last-16 tie after Marco Asensio scored with three minutes of normal time remaining, establishing a comfortable 2-1 lead.
Two away goals meant the reverse fixture on March 5 would likely be a straightforward affair for the European champions, and Ramos appeared to consult the substitutes' bench about attempting to get booked.
He was caught by making a subtle card gesture during his interaction - and he appeared to ask: 'Should I look for it?'
The yellow card was Ramos' third in this season's Champions League, meaning he would have served a one-game suspension in the second leg and be free to play in the quarter-final, which would likely be a tougher test.
Moments after that interaction, Ramos prevented a counter-attack by the Dutch side with a reckless foul on Dolberg.
Ramos originally seemed furious with the Danish striker but his anger completely dissipated the moment the card was brandished.
After the match, Ramos appeared to concede that he did try to get himself booked on purpose - drawing the wrath of UEFA.
'Not to underestimate the opponent, but sometimes you have to take these decisions and that's what I decided,' he said in a post-match interview with .
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