FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-game suspension by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for his actions during the closing moments of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona.
Rudiger threw a bag of ice at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and had to be restrained by teammates as he attempted to confront the official over a contentious free kick awarded against Kylian Mbappe. The decision ultimately led to Jules Kounde scoring the decisive goal for Barcelona.
However, the suspension will have minimal immediate impact, as Rudiger recently underwent knee surgery and is already sidelined for the remainder of the season. The ban will only affect the opening match of the 2025-26 campaign.
Real Madrid defender Lucas Vazquez has also been given a two-game suspension for his reaction to the same incident. With Vazquez expected to leave the club this summer, the ban, limited to Copa del Rey matches, is unlikely to affect the team.
In a separate decision, the Disciplinary Committee opted not to sanction Jude Bellingham, who was also sent off in the match, citing a lack of video evidence to justify the red card.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid announced injury updates for key players, confirming that Ferland Mendy will miss the rest of the season due to a thigh injury, while David Alaba has been sidelined with a torn interior meniscus ligament.