Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has issued a public apology after being sent off for throwing an object at the referee. The incident occurred during their 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona in extra time.
It happened after a controversial foul was called against Kylian Mbappe, moments before Barcelona’s Jules Kounde netted the decisive goal in the 116th minute. Rüdiger, already substituted, reacted furiously from the bench. He had to be restrained as he attempted to throw ice bags at the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
“There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour,” Rüdiger posted on social media. “Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.”
Teammates Lucas Vázquez and Jude Bellingham also saw red after the final whistle. Rüdiger now faces a potential suspension of 4–12 matches across all domestic competitions under Spanish FA regulations.
