Antonio Rudiger banned for 6 matches for Copa Del Rey final debacle
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match suspension after throwing an object toward the referee during the club's Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona in Seville.
The German international, who had already been substituted, was shown a straight red card alongside teammate Lucas Vazquez for protesting a late foul given against Kylian Mbappe.
According to referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea's official match report, Rudiger, 32, was dismissed for 'throwing an object from the technical area, which missed me.'
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed the ban under Article 101, which governs 'mild violence' against match officials.
The suspension will be served in La Liga fixtures—covering the final five games of the current season and the opening match of the 2025–26 campaign.
Rudiger had undergone knee surgery on Tuesday, and is already expected to miss the remainder of the season.
While Real Madrid did not specify a recovery timeline, Spanish media estimate an absence of six to eight weeks, which also places his participation in the Club World Cup, beginning 15 June, in doubt.
In a post-match statement, Rudiger apologized for the incident, admitting there was 'definitely no excuse' for his conduct.
The RFEF acknowledged the apology was presented by Real Madrid in an effort to reduce the sanction.
Lucas Vazquez has been suspended for two Copa del Rey matches for his involvement in the incident, while Jude Bellingham's red card for dissent was overturned.
The RFEF accepted video evidence submitted by the club showing that Bellingham had not acted aggressively post-match, contrary to the referee's report.
The match was marred by tension, ending in a dramatic victory for Barcelona, with defender Jules Koundé scoring the decisive goal in a closely contested El Clasico final.
In addition to disciplinary issues, Real Madrid also confirmed fresh injury blows. Left-back Ferland Mendy has suffered a hamstring injury, while centre-back David Alaba has ruptured the meniscus in his left knee.
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