Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been handed a 6-match suspension after a recent incident, while teammate Jude Bellingham’s red card has been overturned. This brings mixed news for the club as they approach key fixtures in the season.
Big Trouble for Real Madrid After Copa del Rey Final
Real Madrid is facing a tough time after their dramatic 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. Defender Antonio Rudiger has been banned for six matches by the Spanish Football Federation because of bad behavior during the game. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham’s red card has been cancelled after a review.
What Happened During the Match?
The final between Real Madrid and Barcelona was full of drama and emotions. It ended with several Real Madrid players getting into trouble. (More Sports News)
- In the 120th minute of the match, Rudiger got very angry and threw an object from the technical area.
- Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vázquez were also shown red cards.
- The referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea, included their actions in his report.
The referee said Rudiger had to be held back by coaches because he was acting aggressively. Vázquez was punished for entering the pitch to argue, while Bellingham got his red card after the final whistle for running toward the referee in an angry way.
The Punishments Announced
On Tuesday, the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee shared its decision:
- Antonio Rudiger is banned for six matches.
- Lucas Vázquez is banned for two matches.
- Jude Bellingham’s red card has been cancelled.
This means Rudiger will miss several important games. He also hurt his knee during the match and later had surgery. According to ESPN, he could be out for up to two months. This makes his return before the end of the season and for the Club World Cup uncertain.
What Made Rudiger Apologize After the Match? Find Out Why?
After the match, Rudiger admitted he was wrong. On Sunday, he posted on social media:
“I am very sorry… After 111 minutes I could not do anything for the team and made a mistake before the final whistle. I apologize again to the referee and those I let down.”
He apologized to the referee, his teammates, and fans for what he did.
In contrast, Bellingham got some good news. Real Madrid told the committee that the referee’s report was incorrect. They also showed video evidence. The video did not show Bellingham being aggressive or needing to be held back. The committee agreed and said the referee made a mistake. So, Bellingham’s red card was cancelled, and he won’t face any ban.
Real Madrid’s Complaints About the Referees
Before the final even started, Real Madrid was already upset. The club refused to:
- Attend the press conference
- Take part in official photos
- Join the training session
They believed that the referee, De Burgos, and the VAR official, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, were biased against them. The club claimed both referees had shown signs of hostility in the past. This tension carried into the match and might have added to the chaos at the end.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
With Rudiger injured and banned, Real Madrid’s defense will be weaker in the coming weeks. They will have to play without some key players as they try to finish the season strongly and prepare for international competitions.
However, Bellingham’s availability gives the team a boost. Real will hope to move past this drama and focus on football once again.