Real Madrid`s Antonio Rudiger could receive a suspension ranging from four to twelve matches following an incident during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona where he reportedly threw an object in the direction of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Rudiger has since issued an apology for his behavior.
Although substituted in the 111th minute, Rudiger was shown a red card from the bench in the 123rd minute. The defender was visibly frustrated by a foul called against Kylian Mbappe, which denied Real Madrid a final attacking opportunity before the match concluded. Following this, Rudiger threw an object towards de Burgos Bengoetxea and required teammates to hold him back during his outburst.
The referee`s official post-match report noted that Rudiger was given the red card “for throwing an object from the technical area which did not reach me.” The report added that after receiving the card, he displayed “an aggressive attitude” and needed to be restrained by coaching staff members.
Rudiger publicly apologized for his conduct on social media the following Sunday.
In his statement, Rudiger wrote, “There`s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I`m very sorry for that.” He added, “We played a very good game from the second half on. After 111 minutes, I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.”
Rudiger was not the only Real Madrid player to receive a late red card. Lucas Vazquez, who had also been substituted, was dismissed for “protesting one of our decisions, entering various metres onto the playing surface, and making gestures of disconformity,” according to the referee`s report. Jude Bellingham also received a red card for reportedly approaching the officials “with an aggressive attitude, having to be held back by his teammates.”
While Vazquez and Bellingham are anticipated to receive standard two-match suspensions applicable to next season`s Copa del Rey, Rudiger`s case is expected to be handled differently under the Royal Spanish Football Federation`s disciplinary code. His actions could fall under section 101, which addresses “Mild violence toward the referees.” This section covers acts like “Grabbing, pushing, or shaking, or generally using other attitudes toward the referees that, while only mildly violent,” carry a potential suspension of four to twelve matches.
If Rudiger is indeed charged under section 101, the resulting suspension would apply to all domestic competitions, not just the Copa del Rey. Such a ban could potentially commence as early as May 4th, impacting a critical phase of the season. Real Madrid currently trails Barcelona by four points in the La Liga title race with only five matches remaining, including another El Clasico fixture scheduled for May 11th.
