Rudiger Apologizes After Copa del Rey Ejection, Faces Potential Ban

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has issued an apology to the match official for his conduct following his dismissal during their 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Sunday. This defeat marked Madrid’s third of the season against their rivals.

The incident occurred in the 120th minute, as Madrid faced elimination. Referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea ejected Rudiger, along with teammates Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez, who were dismissed for expressing dissent.

In his official report, De Burgos Bengoetxea stated that Rudiger was sent off for “throwing an object from the technical area, which missed me”.

Sources indicate the object was an ice cube.

Rudiger took to Instagram on Sunday to express his remorse, acknowledging his error.

“There’s absolutely no justification for my actions,” Rudiger stated in his Instagram story.

“I sincerely apologise. My apologies to the referee and to everyone I have let down.”

The German international could be subject to a lengthy suspension, based on the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) disciplinary guidelines.

According to article 101, Rudiger may face a suspension ranging from four to twelve games. Should article 104, addressing “assault against referees,” be applied, he could be banned for three to six months. However, if the act is deemed a “serious risk,” even without the referee requiring medical attention, the suspension could extend from six months to a year.