Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match ban for throwing an object at the centre referee during his team’s Copa del Rey Final defeat to rivals FC Barcelona.
The 32-year-old had been substituted in the 111th minute of the Copa del Rey Final after suffering a knee injury, but was shown a straight red card alongside teammate Lucas Vazquez for reacting angrily to a foul given against Kylian Mbappe shortly before the final whistle in extra-time.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea said in his report that Rudiger was dismissed for “throwing an object from the technical area, which missed me.”
A report by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), stated that the Germany international had been given a six-game suspension “for minor violence against the referees.”
The RFEF also revoked the red card given to Real midfielder Jude Bellingham for dissent after the final whistle.
The referee’s report said Bellingham “approached our position in an aggressive attitude, having to be restrained by his team-mates,” but the RFEF said Real had provided video evidence which disproved this.
All six games of Rudiger’s suspension will be served in league matches, which means that he will be banned for the final five games in La Liga this campaign and for the opening game of the 2025/2026 season.
As for Lucas Vazquez, the RFEF has suspended the Spaniard for two matches – both of which will be served in Copa del Rey fixtures.