Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger has issued an apology for his conduct in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
The Germany international was replaced in extra-time in El Clasico, with Endrick entering the field, but the experienced defender was one of three Real Madrid players to receive a red card amid unsavoury scenes.
Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez were also sent off, but Rudiger’s red card has received the most attention, as he had to be restrained by members of the Real Madrid camp when he attempted to confront the referee.
A Kylian Mbappe foul on Eric Garcia saw Rudiger lose control of his emotions, and it is alleged that he threw an ice pack towards the referee, which could land him in serious trouble.
According to Carrusel Deportivo, the defender could be suspended for between four and 12 matches due to the seriousness of the offence, which might mean that he has played his final match of the 2024-25 campaign.
Rudiger has taken to social media to issue an apology for his actions, and he now has a nervous wait to see whether he will face a substantial suspension for his conduct after Real Madrid’s defeat in El Clasico.
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Rudiger issues apology after late red card in El Clasico
“There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that,” wrote Rudiger on Instagram.
“We played a very good game from the 2nd half on. After 111 minutes I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.”
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea‘s report revealed the reason for Rudiger’s red card.
“For throwing an object from the technical area which did not reach me. After being shown the red card, he had to be held back by various members of the coaching staff, while he showed an aggressive attitude,” it read.
Vazquez, meanwhile, was dismissed “for protesting one of our decisions, entering various metres onto the playing surface, and making gestures of disconformity.”
Bellingham, unlike Rudiger and Vazquez, did complete the entire 120 minutes, but he was sent off after the match, with the report reading: “He came towards us with an aggressive attitude, having to be held back by his teammates.”
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How long could Vazquez, Bellingham be banned?
According to The Athletic, Vazquez and Bellingham are both expected to receive two-game suspensions, which will be served in next season’s Copa del Rey, so the pair are set to be available for the rest of the season.
However, due to the seriousness of Rudiger’s actions, a longer ban is expected.
Real Madrid recovered from a first-half deficit to lead 2-1 late in the second period, with Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni on the scoresheet for the Spanish and European champions.
However, Ferran Torres levelled it up at 2-2 in the 84th minute before Jules Kounde hit the winner in the 116th minute, and Barcelona are still on for a treble this season, with the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Inter Milan scheduled for next week.
As for Real Madrid, their La Liga title challenge will continue with a clash against Celta Vigo next Sunday afternoon; Los Blancos are currently second in the La Liga table, four points behind the leaders Barcelona.
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