Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger facing lengthy ban after incident in Copa del Rey final

Antonio Rudiger could face a significant suspension after seemingly throwing an object at the referee in a moment of anger during the Copa del Rey final.

In the dying moments of Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona, tensions ran high following a controversial decision that went in Barca’s favour while Kylian Mbappe attempted an attack.

Rudiger was visibly frustrated by the call and appeared to throw an object – believed to be ice – towards the referee.

The defender received a red card for his actions, with teammates Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham also being shown red after attempting to protest the decision.

Following his dismissal, Rudiger was held back by his teammates, preventing him from approaching the referee.

The 32-year-old had been substituted earlier due to “exhaustion,” according to manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Now, according to reports from Cadena SER, Rudiger faces a suspension of between four and 12 games, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Additional footage from the incident shows the defender attempting to throw more ice bags but being restrained once again.

In his referee report, per Metro, the official said: “In the 120th minute, player (22) Rudiger, Antonio, was sent off for the following reason: For throwing an object from the technical area, which missed me. After being shown the red card, he had to be restrained by several members of the coaching staff, displaying an aggressive attitude.

“In the 120th minute, player (17) Vazquez Iglesias, Lucas, was sent off for the following reason: For protesting one of our decisions, entering the field of play for several meters, making gestures of disagreement.

“In the 999th minute, player (5) Bellingham, Jude Victor William, was sent off for the following reason: After the end of the match, he approached our position in an aggressive attitude, having to be restrained by his teammates.”