Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is potentially facing a significant suspension, ranging from four to 12 matches. This follows an incident during Saturday`s Copa del Rey final loss against Barcelona, where he threw an object towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Rudiger has since issued an apology for his actions.
Rudiger was substituted in the 111th minute. Barcelona scored the winning goal through Jules Kounde just five minutes later (116th minute). However, Rudiger received a red card in the 123rd minute while on the bench due to his behavior. He was visibly frustrated by the referee`s decision to award a foul against Kylian Mbappe, which prevented Real Madrid from launching a final attack. This frustration led him to throw an object towards the referee, and teammates had to restrain him during his heated reaction.
According to the referee`s official post-match report, Rudiger was shown a red card specifically “for throwing an object from the technical area which did not reach me.” The report also noted that after receiving the red card, he displayed “an aggressive attitude” and needed to be physically restrained by coaching staff members.
On Sunday, Rudiger took to social media to apologize for his actions at the conclusion of the match.
In his apology, Rudiger wrote, “There`s definitely no excuse for my behavior 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 wasn`t the only Real Madrid player dismissed late in the game. Lucas Vazquez, who had also been substituted, received a red card, reportedly “for protesting one of our decisions, entering various metres onto the playing surface, and making gestures of disconformity.” Jude Bellingham was also shown a red card as he “came towards us with an aggressive attitude, having to be held back by his teammates,” according to the referee`s report.
It`s anticipated that Vazquez and Bellingham will face two-match suspensions, which they will serve in next season`s Copa del Rey competition. However, Rudiger`s case is expected to be handled under a different section of the Royal Spanish Football Federation`s disciplinary code. Given his actions, he could potentially be charged under section 101. This section covers “Mild violence toward the referees” and applies to actions like “Grabbing, pushing, or shaking, or generally using other attitudes toward the referees that, while only mildly violent,” which can result in a suspension ranging from four to 12 matches.
If Rudiger is indeed charged under this section, his suspension would extend beyond the Copa del Rey and apply to other domestic fixtures, including La Liga matches. Such a ban could potentially commence as early as May 4th, impacting a critical phase of Real Madrid`s season. Currently, Los Blancos are only four points adrift of leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title chase with five matches remaining. This crucial run of games includes another El Clasico fixture scheduled for May 11th.
Dominic Ashworth