Real Madrid’s Rudiger Slapped with Six-Match Ban After Copa Final Outburst
SEVILLE, Spain – Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match suspension following a heated incident during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final, where Los Blancos were narrowly defeated 3-2 by arch-rivals FC Barcelona in extra time.
The German international, who had already been substituted, was shown a red card after reportedly throwing an object toward the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, in protest over the officiating. The fiery climax to the final saw tempers flare among Madrid players, with Rudiger’s actions drawing the most severe punishment.
Spain’s football disciplinary committee confirmed the decision on Tuesday, noting that Rudiger’s ban could have ranged from four to 12 games, given the seriousness of the misconduct. Ultimately, the committee settled on six matches. The centre-back underwent knee surgery earlier the same day and will miss the rest of the season, with the final match of his suspension to be served at the beginning of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 32-year-old publicly apologized for his behavior on Instagram, writing:
“There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that. Before the final whistle I did a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.”
Rudiger will notably miss the upcoming La Liga Clasico on May 11, a crucial fixture in the title race.
In the same match, Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was also shown red after the final whistle, but the federation later annulled his sending-off. A review of video footage contradicted the referee’s report, which incorrectly claimed that Bellingham had to be physically restrained from approaching the official.
“There is no proximity to the referee, no aggressive behaviour observed, nor any indication that his teammates restrained him,” read a statement from the disciplinary committee.
Lucas Vazquez, another Madrid player sent off during the chaotic ending, was handed a two-match ban for his protests.
Tensions were already high before the final whistle. On the eve of the game, Real Madrid had sharply criticized Spain’s officiating body after referees held a rare press conference addressing negative portrayals from club media channels. Madrid called the referees’ tone “unacceptable” and “threatening,” which likely added fuel to the fire in Seville.
As Real Madrid’s season nears its close, the club must now contend with a thinned squad and mounting pressure both on and off the pitch.
In other news:Donkey on the Rampage: Woman Bitten, Son Injured in Machakos Animal Attack
Real Madrid’s Rudiger Slapped with Six-Match Ban After Copa Final Outburst