Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee imposed a six-game suspension on Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger following his red card in the team’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, 2025, at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium. The ruling came after a heated confrontation with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who reported Rüdiger for “throwing an object from the technical area” and displaying an “aggressive attitude” in the 120th minute, requiring restraint by coaching staff.
The incident occurred after De Burgos called a foul on Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe for contact with Barcelona’s Eric Garcia, sparking outrage from the Real Madrid bench. Rüdiger, substituted in the 111th minute, reportedly threw an ice cube at the referee, an act classified as “minor violence” under Article 101 of the RFEF disciplinary code, which carries a potential ban of four to twelve matches. Lucas Vázquez, also substituted, received a two-game suspension for “entering the field of play” to protest, a sanction to be served in the next season’s Copa del Rey.
Jude Bellingham, sent off post-match for allegedly approaching the referee with an “aggressive attitude” and needing restraint, had his red card rescinded. The committee found video evidence contradicted De Burgos’ report, showing no aggressive behavior or physical restraint, deeming the referee’s account a “material, manifest error.”
Rüdiger issued an apology on X, stating, “There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that,” attributing his actions to frustration at being unable to help his team after substitution. However, the committee dismissed Real Madrid’s argument that his social media apology warranted leniency, ruling it insufficient. Compounding Rüdiger’s troubles, he underwent surgery on April 29 for a meniscus tear in his left knee, sidelining him for approximately six weeks, covering Real Madrid’s final five La Liga matches, including a critical El Clásico on May 11, 2025. The sixth game of his ban will apply to the first La Liga match of the 2025-26 season, as suspensions exceeding four matches extend across competitions.
The match was fraught with tension, exacerbated by pre-game controversies. De Burgos broke down in tears during a press conference, citing harassment from Real Madrid TV’s critical videos, which prompted Real Madrid to skip their pre-match media obligations. Barcelona’s 32nd Copa del Rey title, secured by Jules Kounde’s 116th-minute goal, was overshadowed by these disciplinary issues, highlighting ongoing referee-player tensions in Spanish football. Fans and analysts on X expressed mixed sentiments, with some decrying Rüdiger’s “deplorable” conduct and others questioning the consistency of refereeing decisions.
As Real Madrid prepare for their La Liga clash against Celta Vigo on May 4, 2025, the absence of Rüdiger, a defensive linchpin, poses challenges for their title chase, trailing Barcelona in the standings. The incident underscores the need for cooler heads in high-stakes matches, with calls for improved conduct to protect the integrity of the game.
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