Real Madrid’s Rudiger Gets Six-Match Ban for Copa Final Red

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been banned for six matches for throwing an object at the referee during their Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona in extra time on Saturday.

The German international, who had already been substituted, was shown a red card after the incident in Seville.

However, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, who was also sent off after the final whistle, will not serve a ban.

A review of the evidence determined that the referee’s report, which stated Bellingham had to be restrained, contained an error.

Another Real Madrid player, Lucas Vázquez, who was dismissed for protesting during the game’s conclusion, received a two-match ban.

Rudiger, who underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the season, will serve the final match of his ban at the start of the next season.

He had apologised on Sunday for his behaviour, admitting there was “no excuse” for his actions.

The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee stated that footage contradicted the referee’s report regarding Bellingham, showing no aggressive behaviour or need for restraint.

The final was played against a backdrop of Real Madrid’s pre-match criticism of the match officials, following a tearful press conference by the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who addressed criticism from Real Madrid’s club television channel.

Real Madrid had deemed the officials’ comments “unacceptable” and “threatening.”