Cristiano Ronaldo under investigation for 'savage' act

Cristiano Ronaldo has landed in hot water over a “savage” act during his Champions League heroics for Juventus against Atletico Madrid.

European football’s governing body has opened an investigation into Ronaldo’s goal celebration during Juventus’ epic 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid that booked their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Ronaldo scored a stunning hat-trick to almost singlehandedly help the Italian side overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg in Spain.

The Portuguese superstar’s display had the football world buzzing, but his crotch-grabbing ‘cojones’ celebration – mimicking Atleti coach Diego Simeone’s gesture from the first leg – has landed him in trouble.

After scoring the decisive penalty four minutes from time, Ronaldo turned towards the Atletico fans and replicated Simeone’s gesture by grasping his genitals and thrusting out his groin.

UEFA confirmed Ronaldo is facing charges of “improper conduct” after the “savage” act of mockery that sent fans into a spin on social media.

A decision will be taken by UEFA on 21 March.

Juventus take on Dutch club Ajax in the Champions League quarter-finals over two legs, on 10 April in Amsterdam and 16 April in Turin.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he is confident Ronaldo will not be suspended for the clash.

“I think everyone celebrated their own way on the field and in the stands. I saw nothing strange, just a celebration. There won’t be a ban,” said Allegri.

Simeone was fined 20,000 euros ($A35,000) by UEFA for his gesture – suggesting Ronaldo could also face a similar fine.

“He will have seen how I did it at the Wanda Metropolitano and, like me, was trying to show his character,” Simeone said about Ronaldo’s celebration.

Five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo is the record goal scorer in the European competition with 124 goals in 160 matches.