Antonio Rudiger was one of four Real Madrid members to receive a red card in the 2-3 loss to Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final. This was a match in which Barca played better, but it was not until Jules Kounde's goal in the 116th minute that they were able to defeat their arch-rivals with a score of 3-2.
This was a very tense match, true to the usual El Clasico character. Before the match, Real Madrid skipped the press conference and practice to put pressure on the organizing committee to change the main referee. In the match, although the referee did not make any serious mistakes, Mr. De Burgos Bengoetxea's lack of decisiveness in many situations frustrated both sides.
The peak in the second extra time, when Real Madrid conceded the third goal, the turmoil arose from Los Blancos' technical area. Many players and coaching staff members put pressure on the referee. Antonio Rudiger even threw something at the black king, causing him to receive an immediate red card. Not only Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Lucas Vazquez and a coaching staff member were also sent off.
This is a very ugly act from Los Blancos when they have lost both on and off the pitch. After the match, information about the penalty was rumored and all the news was very serious. Among them, the most serious is definitely Rudiger with a serious act of throwing a strange object at the referee. Spanish press predicted that the German star would be banned from playing for 4-12 matches. Meanwhile, Vazquez and Bellingham are likely to be banned for 2 matches.
Rudiger is considered to have violated Article 101 of the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary body. This clause clearly states that players who commit acts of violence against referees such as grasping, pushing, etc. will be suspended from 4-12 matches. The danger of this suspension comes in that it will prevent Rudiger from appearing in every domestic tournament, from La Liga, Copa Del Rey to the Supercopa. If the 32-year-old receives the highest penalty, he will miss the rest of La Liga this season.
Real Madrid will appeal, but right from Rudiger himself, this central defender realized his mistake and posted an apology on his personal page.
"There will be no excuse for my actions last night. I really apologize for that.
Real Madrid played very well in the second half. After the 111th minute, I left the field. By the time the match was about to end, I had made that serious mistake. Once again, I would like to apologize to everyone who was disappointed by me last night" - Rudiger shared.
Real Madrid will return to La Liga on May 4 with a home match against Celta Vigo in round 34. Currently, they are still 4 points behind Barcelona. The two teams still have the return El Clasico on 11.5 at Lluis Companys. That will be an opportunity for Real Madrid to wash their dishes.
