April 28 – In a shocking display of indiscipline, Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger could face a lengthy suspension after being dismissed for throwing an object at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the Copa Del Rey final.
The incident caps a dismal few weeks for the Spanish giants, who were humiliated by Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal and have now suffered their third defeat this season at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona.
The German international defender, substituted in the 111th minute of an epic El Clásico, lost his composure after a foul was called against teammate Kylian Mbappé with Madrid trailing 3-2 following Jules Koundé’s stunning strike for Barcelona.
“There’s definitely no excuse for my behavior,” Rüdiger later admitted on Instagram. “I’m very sorry for that. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed.”
The consequences could be severe. If sanctioned under article 101 covering “mild violence” toward officials, Rüdiger faces a 4-12 match ban. However, if his actions fall under the more serious article 104 for “assault against referees,” suspensions range from three to six months – potentially extending to a year if deemed to pose “serious risk.”
What’s particularly outrageous is that Madrid’s discipline completely unraveled at the final whistle, with both Lucas Vázquez and England star Jude Bellingham also receiving red cards.
Premier Sports commentator Terry Gibson didn’t mince words: “You can see something is thrown – [Rudiger] is in big trouble, it doesn’t miss the referee by a million miles, it’s at the referee,” said Premier Sports commentator Terry Gibson.
“It’s pathetic from the Real Madrid players.”
This disgraceful behavior comes after months of incessant complaints from Madrid about officiating. A shameful conclusion to what had been a compelling match, and one that may finally force Spanish authorities to take decisive action against the entitled attitude permeating from the Spanish capital.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1745829945labto1745829945ofdlr1745829945owedi1745829945sni@o1745829945fni1745829945