Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been banned for six matches after throwing an object at the referee during the Copa del Rey final. The incident happened on Saturday in Seville after Rudiger had already been substituted. Barcelona won the match 3-2 in extra time.
The Spanish football federation confirmed the ban on Tuesday. Rudiger underwent knee surgery earlier in the day and will miss the rest of the season. With only five La Liga games left, he will serve the final match of his suspension at the start of next season. The 32-year-old apologised on Instagram, admitting his reaction was wrong. He wrote, “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’s actions could have resulted in a suspension ranging from four to twelve matches, but the final decision landed at six. As a result, he will miss key fixtures, including the upcoming El Clasico on May 11.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who was shown a red card after the final whistle, will not face any suspension. The disciplinary committee found that the referee’s report had errors. Video footage showed no sign of aggressive behaviour from Bellingham, nor any attempt by teammates to hold him back, which the report had claimed. The committee stated that the visual evidence “confirms a reality different from that described in the referee’s report.”
Lucas Vazquez, another Madrid player sent off during the heated final moments, has been handed a two-match ban.
The final was played amid rising tension between Real Madrid and match officials. A day before the match, referees held a press conference to push back against ongoing criticism from Real Madrid’s official TV channel. The club later responded, calling the referees’ comments “unacceptable” and “threatening in tone.”
