Too little reprimand, too much expulsion - the DFB must not make it so easy for Rüdiger

Antonio Rüdiger was furious. An "uncontrollable beast," the Spanish newspaper "Marca" wrote. His outburst in the final of the Copa Del Rey, the Spanish cup competition, between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona (2-3 after extra time) was unprecedented. Disturbing images of the German.

And a scandal that sparked a debate here. Should a player still be allowed to represent the German national team after such behavior?

But Rüdiger must change, that's the clear message: "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 also show this respect to others without exception."

Is that the end of the matter? No.

The DFB must not make it so easy for the central defender.

TV expert Didi Hamann called for a suspension from the Nations League finals. Mario Basler, a model footballer, even advocated for expulsion altogether.

Would that be justified? No. Everyone makes mistakes, especially when they're emotional.

Rüdiger is an impulsive character, and fans love him for that. A football player with an energetic playing style and often a big mouth.

This is in no way meant to justify or excuse his actions in the cup final. It was stupid, ugly, and fatal.

Insults of any kind are unfortunately a sad reality on football pitches.

Especially against referees. They are seen as a release valve for frustration and are the target of hate and slander from the Bundesliga to the district league. No referee should feel fear in performing their job or hobby – especially not in the face of physical violence.

Rüdiger intended to hit referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea with the roll of tape, deliberately throwing it in his direction. After the completely justified red card, only his teammates prevented the referee from doing anything worse by restraining him. The vehement insults were even heard live on the TV broadcast.

Rüdiger's apology just hours after the game shows remorse, but was also the bare minimum - it is still not enough.

A clear message is needed against hate in football and against violence against referees. Record-cap international Lothar Matthäus also said the DFB can't just have a conversation with Rüdiger "and then sweep the matter under the rug." A message must also be sent to the outside world, he said on the "Sky90" program.

What might such a sign look like?

The DFB could compel Rüdiger to attend a refereeing workshop, or it could ask him to officiate youth matches. Rüdiger would have to feel the responsibility and burden of being a referee.

A few years ago, Fortuna Düsseldorf considered a similar punishment for then-professional Kerem Demirbay after he made misogynistic comments toward referee Bibiana Steinhaus. Perhaps this will teach Rüdiger more respect for referees.

Rüdiger has failed in his role as a role model; at least he is no longer worthy of the position of vice-captain of the national team; it should be taken away from him.

But anyone who calls for expulsion should never again criticize the lack of guys in football.