After losing his temper with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea near the end of Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, Antonio Rudiger could face a lengthy suspension.
Before the final on Saturday night, tensions were already high. Under pressure from Real Madrid TV, an emotional De Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a pre-match briefing.
Three Real Madrid players were ultimately sent off by the Spanish referee due to their actions during the final on Saturday night at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. Jude Bellingham, an England international, and Lucas Vazquez were both sent off in addition to Rudiger.
Rudiger, however, is facing the lengthiest suspension for his actions just after Barcelona took a 3-2 lead in the 116th minute thanks to a goal from Jules Kounde. After Real Madrid led 2-1 thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni in the second half, Barca grabbed the lead through Pedri in the 28th minute and then equalised through Ferran Torres in the 84th minute. Kounde’s late goal won the match for Barca.
Shocking Footage of Rudiger Emerges
German defender lost his head with the referee
After a late ruling favoured Barcelona, there was dramatic video of Rudiger hurling what was thought to be ice in the referee’s direction. In order to keep the 32-year-old Germany international from getting into more trouble, teammates and Real Madrid’s coaching staff had to detain him. View the video below:
More video has surfaced that seems to show Rudiger trying to hurl two ice bags at the referee. View the video below:
Rudiger’s Possible Ban Length and the Referee’s Report De Burgos Rudiger’s activities are confirmed by Bengoetxea.
According to The Metro, De Burgos Bengoetxea acknowledged Rudiger had thrown an object at him in his post-match report to the Spanish Football Federation. According to the report:
Antonio Rudiger, player number 22, was sent off in the 120th minute for throwing an object from the technical area that missed me. Several coaching staff members had to detain him after he was shown the red card due to his violent demeanour.
Lucas, a player (17) Vazquez Iglesias, was sent off in the 120th minute for the following reasons: He entered the field of play for a few meters and made gestures of dissatisfaction in protest of one of our judgements.
Jude Victor William, player (5) Bellingham, was sent off in the 999th minute [after the game] for the following reason: He attacked our position aggressively after the game ended and needed to be restrained by his teammates.
Rudiger could now face a ban that ranges from a relatively short four games to a potential 12-match punishment, according to Spanish publication Cadena SER. Rudiger may now face a suspension that would prevent him from playing for the rest of the 2024–25 campaign.
Rudiger Posts Statement Via Social Media
Defender apologises for his behaviour
Rudiger apologised for his conduct in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Sunday morning. “There is absolutely no justification for the way I behaved last night. I sincerely apologise,” the centre-back added.
We performed admirably from the second half on. I was no longer able to support my side after 111 minutes, and I made a mistake just before the final whistle. I apologise once more to the referee and everyone I let down last night.
xz
