Defender called up for Germany’s September World Cup qualifiers but warned of “greater consequences”
Antonio Rudiger has acknowledged he went too far during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona in April, describing his behaviour as “wrong and absolutely excessive”.
The German defender was handed a six-match suspension after losing his temper in the 3-2 loss, when he threw an object towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and had to be restrained by teammates.
Rudiger made his return in last week’s 3-0 win over Oviedo, a match again officiated by De Burgos. Their latest encounter passed without incident, though the 32-year-old admitted he had made “a huge mistake”.
“There’s no question my behaviour was wrong and excessive,” Rudiger told Suddeutsche Zeitung. “It was truly stupid to throw my tape onto the pitch and then lose my nerve like that. I’m aware that I’m now being watched very closely.”
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has also made clear that Rudiger cannot afford another lapse in discipline, saying the defender “knows it must not happen again or there will simply be greater consequences”.
Despite the incident, Rudiger was called up for Germany’s September World Cup qualifiers.
Rudiger said he has been successful as a defender because of his intensity but admitted he must strike a better balance.
“My playing style thrives on these emotions,” said Rudiger. “They’ve made me the centre-back I am today.
“But in the context of the final, the disappointment of the defeat, the discussions about the referee, and my own serious injury, I clearly overstepped my bounds.”
