Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger issued a heartfelt apology on Sunday following his red card incident during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Rudiger was shown a red card after he threw an object at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the final minutes of Barcelona’s intense 3-2 Clasico victory.
Substituted during extra time, Rudiger reacted in frustration as Real Madrid’s hopes faded. His unsportsmanlike conduct led to immediate intervention by team-mates and staff who restrained him from confronting the match official directly. The referee did not hesitate to dismiss Rudiger, with Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham also receiving red cards in the chaotic conclusion to the match.
Taking to Instagram, Rudiger admitted fault and expressed deep remorse. “There is no excuse for my behaviour last night. I sincerely apologise to the referee and to everyone I let down,” Rudiger wrote. “Before the final whistle I made a terrible mistake. Sorry again to the referee and all those who support me.”
Following this serious misconduct, Rudiger is expected to face a suspension ranging from four to twelve matches, which could see him miss the vital La Liga Clasico scheduled for May 11. Meanwhile, the red cards for Vazquez and Bellingham are anticipated to lead to less severe punishments, likely impacting next season’s Copa del Rey instead.
Adding further controversy, the match unfolded under strained relations between Real Madrid and the officiating community. Before the final, referees had complained about ongoing criticism aired by Real Madrid TV. De Burgos Bengoetxea later revealed the emotional toll this public scrutiny had taken on his family, breaking down during an interview. In response, Real Madrid boycotted pre-match obligations and denounced the referees’ statements as “unacceptable.”
This season, Barcelona have dominated Real Madrid, winning all three Clasico encounters. With the Copa del Rey slipping from their grasp, Real Madrid’s final hope for major silverware lies in the league title race, where they currently trail Barcelona by four points.
