Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match suspension after his actions during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Saturday. The German defender was sent off for throwing an object at the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, after the final whistle, a moment that marred the dramatic 3-2 loss for Los Blancos in extra time.
Rudiger, who had already been substituted off the pitch by the time of the incident, found himself involved in a heated exchange following the conclusion of the match in Seville. In the aftermath, he was escorted away from the referee by several individuals. The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee took swift action, confirming that Rudiger would miss six matches as a result of his actions.
The incident came as a major blow to Madrid, who were already reeling from their defeat to Barcelona in the final. Notably, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham also received a red card after the match had ended, but following a review of the evidence, it was decided he would not face a suspension. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) clarified that there was an error in the referee’s report, which had suggested Bellingham needed to be physically restrained. Video evidence, they said, contradicted the report, showing no aggressive behavior from Bellingham toward the officials.
Rudiger’s suspension will see him miss out on several important fixtures, including the upcoming La Liga Clasico against Barcelona on May 11. The 32-year-old was also ruled out for the remainder of the current season due to a knee surgery he underwent on Tuesday. Madrid’s final five La Liga matches will be without Rudiger, with the final game of his suspension to be served at the start of next season.
In his apology, Rudiger expressed regret over his actions, acknowledging that he had made a serious mistake. “There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that,” he said in an Instagram post. “Before the final whistle I did a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.”
Meanwhile, Lucas Vazquez, who was also dismissed from the pitch during the chaotic moments after the match, was handed a two-match suspension for his involvement in the protests by Real Madrid players.
