Antonio Rüdiger Gets 6-Match Ban After Copa del Rey Final Incident

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has been banned for six matches after his behavior in the Copa del Rey final last Saturday, where Madrid lost 3–2 to Barcelona.

In extra time, Rüdiger threw a small bag of ice toward the referee while shouting, which led to the punishment. The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee described the act as minor but aggressive.

Another Real Madrid player, Lucas Vázquez, was also banned for two games for arguing with the referee.

Rüdiger has already apologized for his actions. However, former German player Dietmar Hamann has said Rüdiger should be left out of the national team for the Nations League semifinal in June.

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Rüdiger recently had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left leg. The club confirmed the operation was successful but didn’t say when he will return. He is expected to rest for a few weeks.

On Instagram, Rüdiger posted a photo from the hospital and wrote, “Now I’m pain-free, and the surgery went well. With big tournaments like the Nations League and Club World Cup coming up, I want to return as soon as possible.”

Germany will play Portugal in the Nations League semifinal on June 4 in Munich. Real Madrid’s first match in the Club World Cup is on June 18 in the U.S.