Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match suspension after throwing an object at the referee during the Copa del Rey final, where Barcelona defeated Madrid 3-2 in extra time in Seville.
Rudiger, who had already been substituted, was shown a red card for his behaviour. His teammate Lucas Vazquez also received a red card during the heated final moments and has been banned for two matches.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who was sent off after the final whistle, will not face a ban. A review by the Spanish football federation found that the referee’s report was inaccurate. It wrongly claimed Bellingham had to be restrained, but video evidence showed no aggressive behaviour or proximity to the referee.
Rudiger, who underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and is out for the rest of the season, will serve part of his suspension next season. The 32-year-old later apologised on Instagram, admitting, “There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that.”
Rudiger could have faced up to 12 games out, and his ban means he’ll miss the upcoming La Liga Clasico on May 11.
The final unfolded amid tension between Real Madrid and the refereeing body. Ahead of the game, officials held a press conference condemning the club’s televised criticism, which Madrid described as “unacceptable” and “threatening.”
