Rudiger receives punishment after “minor violence” against referees, but video evidence vindicates Bellingham
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been suspended for six matches following his actions during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) cited “minor violence against the referees” after Rudiger threw an ice pack toward referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during stoppage time of extra time in Seville.
A contentious foul had been awarded against Kylian Mbappe, and Rudiger, who had been substituted earlier, reacted by hurling the pack from the technical area, narrowly missing the official. He was immediately shown a red card and had to be restrained by teammates and staff as he tried to approach the referee threateningly.
In the aftermath, Rudiger issued a public apology on social media, saying: “There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that.
“We played a very good game from the 2nd 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.”
Read: Toni Kroos defends Rudiger after calls to drop 32-year-old from national team
The RFEF’s disciplinary committee determined that Rudiger’s actions warranted a six-match suspension, which applies to all domestic competitions, including La Liga. Rudiger is currently recovering from meniscus surgery on his left knee and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. This means that the ban is likely to be applied next season.
Lucas Vazquez, who also received a red card during the same match for protesting on the pitch, has been handed a two-match ban specific to Copa del Rey fixtures.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham’s red card for alleged aggressive behaviour post-match was cancelled after Real Madrid provided video evidence that contradicted the referee’s report.
While the referee said that Bellingham “approached our position in an aggressive attitude, having to be restrained by his team-mates”, Madrid’s video evidence showed that this was not the case. The England international will receive no punishment.
