Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger could be suspended for four to twelve matches after throwing an object towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the Copa del Rey final loss against Barcelona. Rudiger has since issued an apology for his actions following Saturday`s match.
Rudiger was substituted in the 111th minute. He received a red card in the 123rd minute for his behavior from the bench, shortly after Barcelona scored the winning goal through Jules Kounde in the 116th minute. The defender was reportedly frustrated by the referee`s decision to award a foul against Kylian Mbappe, which prevented Real Madrid from launching a late attack. Rudiger then threw an object towards the referee and his teammates had to restrain him during his angry reaction.
According to the referee`s post-match report, Rudiger was shown a red card “for throwing an object from the technical area which did not reach me.” The report also noted that after receiving the red card, he had to be restrained by various members of the coaching staff and displayed an aggressive attitude.
Rudiger later apologized for his conduct on social media on Sunday, stating:
“There`s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I`m very sorry for that,” Rudiger wrote. 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 sent off late in the match. Lucas Vazquez, who had also been substituted, received a red card 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 was also shown a red card for approaching the officials “with an aggressive attitude, having to be held back by his teammates.”
Vazquez and Bellingham are expected to face two-match bans, likely to be served in next season`s Copa del Rey. However, Rudiger`s case is likely to be handled differently under the Royal Spanish Football Federation`s disciplinary code. His actions could fall under section 101, which covers “Mild violence toward the referees” such as “Grabbing, pushing, or shaking, or generally using other attitudes toward the referees that, while only mildly violent, will result in a suspension of four to 12 matches.” This suggests his potential ban could be much longer.
If Rudiger is charged under this section, the resulting suspension would apply to all domestic matches, not just the Copa del Rey. Such a ban could commence as early as May 4, when Real Madrid`s next matches are scheduled. This timing is critical, as Los Blancos are currently only four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race with five games remaining, including a final El Clasico encounter on May 11.
