Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger apologizes for Copa del Rey outburst
MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has apologized for his outburst of rage against the referee at the end of his team's Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona.
The Germany defender was incensed when teammate Kylian Mbappé was pulled back for a foul instead of threatening for a goal at the end of extra time in the 3-2 defeat that finished in the early hours on Sunday, and he had to be restrained by teammates and coaching staff after apparently throwing a small bag of ice onto the field and shouting at the referee.
'There's definitely no excuse for my behavior last night,' Rüdiger wrote Sunday in an Instagram story. 'I'm very sorry for that. We played a very good game from the 2nd half on.'
Rüdiger had gone off midway through the second period of extra time after earlier having had his legs bandaged.
'After 111 minutes I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake,' Rüdiger said. 'Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.'
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea also handed out red cards to Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vázquez for protesting.
De Burgos wrote in his match report that Rüdiger 'threw an object from the coaching area that didn't reach me,' and that the Germany defender had displayed 'an aggressive attitude.'
Rüdiger faces a possible multi-game suspension, while Bellingham and Vázquez likely face lesser sanctions.
The day before the final De Burgos denounced a campaign to discredit him by Real Madrid's official club television station.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Former Texas Star Collin Johnson Makes Major Personal Announcement
Former Texas Star Collin Johnson Makes Major Personal Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former Texas Longhorn wide receiver Collin Johnson recently announced a significant academic achievement, revealing that he completed the Harvard Business School Executive Program. The update marks a significant step in his post-football career, with a focus on expanding his impact beyond the field. Collin Johnson Completes Harvard Program in Media and Business Johnson shared the announcement in a post on Instagram, standing outside the iconic Harvard Business School campus. In his caption, he wrote: Advertisement 'Just completed the Harvard Business School Executive Program focused on Business, Entertainment, Media, and Sports!' Jan 1, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) runs against Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Eric Stokes (27) after a catch in the second half of the 2019 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Texas Longhorns won 28-21. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports Johnson's inclusion in the program suggests a growing interest in areas that connect athletics with business and entertainment sectors. Johnson's Next Steps Beyond Football The former Longhorn standout was congratulated by many. Someone wrote, 'Congrats to former Longhorn @Call_In_Johnson.' Johnson played college football at Texas from 2016 to 2019. He stood out for his size and reliable hands as a wide receiver. Now, he is making a different kind of move, this time off the field. His shift from football to higher education follows a growing trend. More athletes are preparing early for life after sports. Johnson's completion of the Harvard Business School Executive Program is a major personal milestone. It could also open doors in business, media, or leadership roles. Advertisement His message shows a clear drive to keep learning. He wants to grow in areas that connect with his playing background. It's not yet clear what his exact next step will be. But this decision signals he's gearing up for a second act in industries that align with what he already knows. For now, Johnson's focus appears clear. Developing new skills in spaces where sports, business, and media come together. Related: Former Texas Star Collin Johnson Makes Major Personal Announcement Related: Do the Bears Have a Gem of a Pass-Catcher in Collin Johnson? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bears' Rookie Wide Receiver Has Reaction to Packers' Jaire Alexander News
Bears' Rookie Wide Receiver Has Reaction to Packers' Jaire Alexander News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Green Bay Packers began the start of mini-camp with a huge move within the roster on Monday morning. Advertisement Long-time Packers' cornerback and two-time Second-Team All-Pro Jaire Alexander has been released from the team. It was an interesting move that was made by the Packers, as Alexander was still under contract until 2026 after he signed a four-year, $84 million extension with the team in 2022. Green Bay has shown that they are ready to move on from Alexander after he's played in just 14 games in the past two seasons combined. Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field.© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Chicago Bears' rookie wide receiver comments on the release of Jaire Alexander With the news coming out on Monday morning, Packers' rivals won't have to worry about playing the veteran cornerback twice a year anymore. Advertisement In this case, Bears second-round pick Luther Burden won't ever have to face Jaire Alexander twice in a single season. Burden decided to trash-talk Alexander after his release, commenting "Uh oh" on the NFL's Instagram post. Burden is set to begin his first year in the NFL after being drafted with the No. 39 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of the University of Missouri. In three seasons at Missouri, he contributed 192 receptions, 2,263 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns for the Tigers. Now, Burden will be joining the Chicago Bears' wide receiver room along with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze to give second-year quarterback and 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams another option to throw to. Advertisement Although Luther Burden has huge potential to be another great wide receiver in the league, it's interesting to see a rookie talking smack to an NFL veteran before taking his first ever snap. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
West Indies' top T20 batter pulls up stumps
Nicholas Pooran, West Indies' Twenty20 record-holder for runs and appearances, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 29-year-old played 106 T20s for 2275 runs at an average of 26.14. He also played 61 one-day internationals, including three centuries and one World Cup. "Wearing that maroon, standing for the anthem, and giving everything I had each time I stepped on the field ... it's hard to put into words what that truly means to me," the left-handed wicketkeeper batter posted on Instagram. "To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicholas Pooran (@nicholaspooran) Pooran was suspended briefly in late 2019 after admitting to ball-tampering against Afghanistan, and overcame that to be named T20 vice captain about 18 months later for a tour by Australia. But he became captain when Kieron Pollard couldn't play, and led the team to a 4-1 series win. In 2022, the Trinidadian was named the permanent white-ball skipper and took the team to that year's T20 World Cup in Australia, but in fallout from a first-round elimination he resigned. He starred when West Indies hosted the T20 World Cup last year, overtaking Chris Gayle as the team's all-time leading scorer, and hitting his highest T20 score, 98 against Afghanistan. It is understood Pooran told Cricket West Indies of his retirement on Monday and the decision will allow him to concentrate on playing in lucrative franchise leagues. From a young boy with a dream to wear the Maroon, to a global star inspiring millions — WI thank you, Nicky P. 🙏🏽 — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 9, 2025 Pooran had already skipped the ongoing T20 series against England to rest following his time playing for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. He also has deals in Major League Cricket and The Hundred this summer. Cricket West Indies praised Pooran as a game-changer, and with "sincere gratitude and appreciation ... for his outstanding contributions. His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket." He last played for West Indies in December 2024 in T20s against Bangladesh, but has not played an ODI since July 2023 and does not play Tests.
