Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey Final Drama: Rüdiger’s Ban and Bellingham’s Reprieve
In a dramatic turn of events following the Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger has been handed a six-game ban after receiving a red card during the team’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona. Meanwhile, his teammate Jude Bellingham has seen his red card rescinded, adding another layer of intrigue to an already tense situation.
The match, which ended in extra time, saw Rüdiger, Bellingham, and Lucas Vázquez all dismissed in the closing stages. The trio’s reaction to a decision by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was anything but calm, leading to their respective punishments. Rüdiger, who had already been substituted, was sent off in the 120th minute for “throwing an object from the technical area” and had to be restrained by various members of the coaching staff due to his aggressive attitude.
Lucas Vázquez, who had also been withdrawn from the match, was dismissed for “entering the field of play” as he protested the official’s decision. Bellingham, on the other hand, was carded after the final whistle for “approaching our position with an aggressive attitude, having to be held back by teammates.”
Disciplinary Actions and Reactions
On Tuesday, the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee made their decisions clear. Rüdiger will serve a six-game ban, while Vázquez received a two-game suspension. However, after reviewing Real Madrid’s arguments and video evidence, the committee found that Bellingham’s actions did not match the referee’s report. The video showed “a different reality than that reflected in the referee’s report,” and there was no evidence of “an aggressive attitude” or teammates holding him back. This led to the conclusion of a “material, manifest error” in the report, resulting in Bellingham’s red card being overturned.
Rüdiger, acknowledging his mistake, took to social media to express his regret. “There’s definitely no excuse for my behavior,” he said. “I’m very sorry for that … after 111 minutes, I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed.”
Unfortunately for Rüdiger, his troubles don’t end there. He has undergone knee surgery and is expected to be absent for up to two months, ruling him out for the remainder of the LaLiga season and putting his participation in this summer’s Club World Cup in doubt.
Real Madrid’s Pre-Match Tensions
The Copa del Rey final was already set against a backdrop of tension. Real Madrid entered the match under pressure, having been eliminated from the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage earlier this month and trailing Barcelona in the LaLiga title race. The atmosphere was further charged by Madrid’s decision to boycott their prematch news conference, training, and the official photo shoot. This was in protest of comments made by referee De Burgos and the video assistant referee Pablo González Fuertes earlier in the day.
The club accused the officials of demonstrating “hostility and animosity” towards the team, particularly in response to questions about videos critical of referees broadcast on Real Madrid TV. This protest set the stage for a match that was always going to be fraught with tension and high emotions.
Key Points to Remember
- Antonio Rüdiger received a six-game ban for his actions during the Copa del Rey final.
- Jude Bellingham’s red card was rescinded after video evidence contradicted the referee’s report.
- Lucas Vázquez was handed a two-game suspension.
- Rüdiger has undergone knee surgery and will be out for up to two months.
- Real Madrid’s pre-match protest added to the tension of the final.
As the dust settles on this dramatic chapter, Real Madrid will need to regroup and focus on the challenges ahead, both in LaLiga and potentially in the Club World Cup. The events of the Copa del Rey final will undoubtedly be a talking point for fans and pundits alike, as the team navigates the fallout from this high-stakes encounter.
Originally Written by: Alex Kirkland,Rodrigo Faez
