Transfer News: Rudiger Faces Lengthy Ban After Copa del Rey Final Outburst
Following Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, defender Antonio Rudiger is under fire for his conduct after the match. In a moment of frustration after Barcelona’s winning goal, Rudiger lost his temper on the sidelines, reportedly throwing an object—believed to be ice—at the referee while making a threatening gesture.
The act earned him a red card and now he could face a suspension of up to 12 matches. The backlash has been significant, prompting Rudiger to issue a public apology on social media. In his statement, he took full responsibility for his behavior, apologizing to the referee, fans, and his club. He admitted his actions were out of line and expressed personal disappointment.
Despite the incident, Rudiger praised his team’s effort in the second half, noting that he was dealing with physical discomfort that affected his performance in the closing stages. The night had already been tense for Real Madrid, who felt denied a penalty late in the match.
This suspension could have serious consequences for the team moving forward, serving as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure under pressure.