Antonio Rüdiger: Spanish association bans DFB star for six matches

National soccer player Antonio Rüdiger must pay for his violent outburst in the Spanish Cup final. The Real Madrid defender has been suspended for six matches by the Spanish Football Association.

Shortly before the end of extra time in the final against FC Barcelona (2:3), Rüdiger, who had already been substituted, verbally abused the referee and threw an object at him.

From a sporting perspective, however, the damage to the German is limited: The 32-year-old is already facing a lengthy period of involuntary rest. Rüdiger underwent surgery for a partial tear of the lateral meniscus in his left leg and could therefore miss the national team's Nations League final tournament in Munich and Stuttgart at the beginning of June. Spanish media estimate he will be out for six to eight weeks.

Rüdiger himself is hoping for a quicker return. "I want to be able to play again as soon as possible, as I have two major tournaments ahead of me: the Nations League and the Club World Cup," the DFB defense chief wrote on Instagram. Despite the heated debate surrounding his outburst in the cup final, DFB sporting director Rudi Völler made it clear that there were no plans to suspend Rüdiger from the national team.

"Toni is a great player—but as a national player, he must also demonstrate class in his behavior. He rightly demands respect for himself, and he must show this respect to others without exception," Völler said of the Spanish Cup final.

Rüdiger was barely restrained in the scene. He was incensed by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea's decision to end Real Madrid's final attack due to an offensive foul by Kylian Mbappé. Rüdiger raged in front of the bench, ripping ice packs off his injured knees, and was barely restrained by teammates and staff. He received a red card for his outburst.

The referee recorded the incident in his match report, documenting both the Real Madrid defender's aggressive behavior and the throwing of an object in his direction. According to the rules, Rüdiger faced a severe penalty, even a multi-month suspension.

Rüdiger expressed remorse the morning after the riots, writing on social media that there was no excuse for his behavior. "I'm very sorry," he asserted, and apologized to the referee and everyone he had disappointed. Former national team players Lothar Matthäus and Dietmar Hamann had also called for consequences for Rüdiger within the German national team.

His former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos, as well as former national goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, came to his aid. "Emotions on the pitch aren't always helpful. But who doesn't overshoot the mark once in a while?" Kahn wrote on social media. Rüdiger showed insight. "That should be enough for now," Kahn said. The sports judges saw it differently.

Rüdiger's Real Madrid teammates Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham were also shown red by the referee for their verbal abuse in the closing seconds of the cup final. Vazquez received a two-match ban. However, the red card against former Dortmund player Bellingham was rescinded.

In the spectacular final, FC Barcelona, ​​under coach Hansi Flick, won their third Clásico of the season, following a victory against Real Madrid in the league and a Supercup victory. The injured Rüdiger will miss the next league clash on May 11.

With five games remaining, the defending champions are four points behind league leaders Barça. The record winners were eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals by Arsenal and face a title-less season.

RND/dpa