Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has been handed a six-match ban after throwing an object at the referee during Saturday’s dramatic Copa del Rey final, where Barcelona defeated Los Blancos 3-2 after extra time in Seville.
Rüdiger, who had already been substituted, was shown a red card following the incident involving referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. The 32-year-old German international, who underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the season, will serve the final game of his suspension at the start of next season.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Rüdiger issued an apology, stating:
There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that. Before the final whistle, I made a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed.
Rüdiger faced a possible suspension ranging from four to 12 games for his actions and will now miss the upcoming La Liga Clasico against Barcelona on May 11.
Meanwhile, Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, who was also sent off after the final whistle, will not face suspension. The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee ruled that the referee’s report contained factual inaccuracies. The report initially claimed Bellingham had to be restrained by teammates to prevent a confrontation with the referee, but video evidence contradicted this.
The footage provided confirms a reality different from that described in the referee’s report, the committee stated.
There is no proximity to the referee, no aggressive behaviour observed, nor any indication that teammates restrained him.
Real Madrid’s Lucas Vázquez, also dismissed in the closing moments of the match for protesting, received a two-match ban.
The heated match took place under the cloud of mounting tensions between Real Madrid and match officials. Ahead of the final, referees had held a rare press conference condemning what they described as “threatening” commentary and “unacceptable” criticism from Real Madrid’s official TV channel.