Antonio Rüdiger has come under heavy fire for his disgraceful conduct during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final, where Real Madrid suffered a painful extra-time defeat to Barcelona.
In the dying moments, Rüdiger lost his composure and hurled an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, an act that earned him a straight red card and worldwide criticism.
Tensions boiled over after Barcelona snatched a dramatic late winner, with Real Madrid players openly furious about several refereeing decisions. Rüdiger’s anger escalated as he threw an object at the match official, forcing teammates like Ferland Mendy and Madrid staff members to physically restrain him when the referee approached to dismiss him.
Germany’s sporting director, Rudi Völler, condemned Rüdiger’s behavior, calling it unacceptable for a national team player.
“Toni is a great player, but as a national team player, he must also demonstrate class in his behavior,” Völler said.
“He rightly demands respect for himself, but he must extend that same respect to others without exception. In this case, he and some teammates allowed themselves to be swept up by the heated atmosphere that often surrounds the club and that is unacceptable, especially for a German international,” he added.
Rüdiger has since issued an apology, but it may not be enough to save him from severe punishment. Under the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary code, “mild violence” toward referees could trigger a 12-match ban.
Worse still, if his actions are classified as assault against referees, he could be sidelined for up to six months, a potential disaster for both Real Madrid and the German national team ahead of a crucial international calendar.
FKA/MA
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