Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-game suspension after throwing an object at the referee during a heated Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona in Seville. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed the sanction, citing “minor violence against the referees” under article 101 of its disciplinary code.
The German international, who had been substituted in the 111th minute after suffering a knee injury, was shown a straight red card along with teammate Lucas Vazquez for their furious reaction to a foul call against Kylian Mbappé in the closing moments of the match. Both players had already left the field but remained on the sidelines when the incident occurred.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea detailed in his post-match report that Rudiger, 32, threw an object—reportedly an ice cube—towards him from the technical area, although it missed. BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague confirmed the object was indeed an ice cube, emphasizing the severity of Rudiger’s emotional outburst during the high-stakes clash.
Despite the object not making contact, the act was classified as “mild violence,” which carries a potential suspension of between four and twelve matches. The RFEF ultimately decided on a six-game punishment, a penalty that will be served entirely in La Liga matches.
This ruling means Rudiger will miss the final five league matches of the current season and the opening fixture of the 2025–26 campaign. However, the impact of the ban may be softened by Rudiger’s recent knee surgery, which is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the current season.
Real Madrid has not provided an official recovery timeline, but Spanish media reports suggest the 32-year-old defender is doubtful for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on 15 June.
In a public statement, Rudiger expressed regret over the incident, saying, “There is definitely no excuse for my behaviour. I let my emotions get the better of me, and I take full responsibility.” According to the RFEF, this apology was submitted by Real Madrid as part of an appeal for a reduced suspension, although it did not lead to a lighter sentence.
Lucas Vazquez, also sent off in the same incident for his protests from the bench, received a two-match suspension. Unlike Rudiger, his ban will be served during the Copa del Rey competition.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham—another Real Madrid player involved in post-match controversy—has had his red card rescinded. Initially dismissed for dissent after the final whistle, Bellingham was described in the referee’s report as having “approached our position in an aggressive attitude, having to be restrained by his team-mates.”
However, Real Madrid successfully appealed the decision, submitting video evidence that showed Bellingham’s conduct was not as confrontational as initially reported. After reviewing the footage, the RFEF agreed to revoke the red card and clear the midfielder of disciplinary action.
The Copa del Rey final itself was a tense affair, ending in heartbreak for Real Madrid as Barcelona emerged victorious thanks to a late winning goal from Jules Koundé. The defeat and subsequent disciplinary fallout have marred what has otherwise been a strong domestic campaign for Los Blancos.
For Rudiger, the incident adds an unfortunate chapter to an otherwise solid season. The former Chelsea defender has become a key figure in Real Madrid’s backline, noted for his aggressive defensive style and leadership on the pitch. His absence in the closing stages of the league campaign, however, will be keenly felt as Real push to secure the La Liga title.
With the Club World Cup on the horizon and a long summer of recovery ahead, Rudiger will be hoping to put this latest controversy behind him and focus on returning to full fitness. Real Madrid, meanwhile, must move forward without one of their defensive stalwarts, as disciplinary issues continue to cast a shadow over their season finale.
The RFEF’s swift and firm action sends a clear message about respect for officials in Spanish football, reinforcing the idea that misconduct—even from the bench—will not go unpunished.
