Rüdiger Hit with Six-Game Suspension as Real Madrid Meltdown Mars Copa del Rey Final

The fallout from Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final continues, with Antonio Rüdiger receiving a six-match suspension following an outburst that saw him dismissed from the bench. Teammates Lucas Vázquez and Jude Bellingham were also shown red cards during chaotic closing moments, though only Vázquez will face further sanction.

Tensions boiled over late in Saturday’s high-stakes clash in Seville, with Madrid players incensed by officiating decisions made by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Rüdiger, who had already been substituted, was sent off in the 120th minute for hurling an object from the technical area and confronting officials in an aggressive manner. According to the referee’s report, multiple staff members were required to restrain him.

The Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee confirmed Rüdiger’s suspension on Tuesday, dismissing Madrid's appeal that cited his post-match apology as evidence of remorse. The committee ruled the social media post insufficient to mitigate the severity of the offense.

Vázquez, also off the field at the time, was handed a two-game ban for entering the pitch during the protests. However, Bellingham had his red card rescinded entirely after a review determined that the referee's description of events was inaccurate. Footage revealed no signs of aggression or restraint by teammates, as originally claimed.

“There’s no excuse for my behavior,” Rüdiger wrote on Instagram following the incident. “I’m sorry to the referee and everyone I let down.”

The suspension comes as Rüdiger undergoes knee surgery for a meniscus issue, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. He’s expected to miss key fixtures, including the La Liga Clasico on May 11, and is in doubt for the summer’s Club World Cup.

The final itself was played under a cloud of controversy, with Real Madrid refusing to participate in pre-match formalities in protest of comments made by De Burgos and VAR official Pablo González Fuertes. The club accused both officials of displaying “hostility” in response to critical coverage from Real Madrid TV.

Despite the emotional fallout, Bellingham will be available for the remainder of the league season, offering a glimmer of good news for a Madrid side chasing Barcelona in the title race with five matches to go.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @realmadrid, Pixabay / jorono