Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Antonio Rudiger Facing Lengthy Suspension after Attacking Referee
- Real Madrid could be in deep trouble after failing to control its players during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona
- Three players were sent off in the dying minutes of that game after Jules Kounde had won the game for the Catalans
- Antonio Rudiger could be the most affected after the former Chelsea star was spotted throwing an object at the referee
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The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid lived up to expectations, with both sides providing a pulsating game over 120 minutes.
Source: Getty Images
Barcelona vs Real Madrid match report
Barcelona finally ran out the winners, thanks to a Jules Kounde strike four minutes from the penalty shootouts to win their record 32nd title.
Pedri put the Blaugrana ahead with a well-placed shot from outside the box in the first half, but Madrid clawed their way back in after the break.
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Kylian Mbappe, who was introduced from the bench, scored the first free-kick of his career to restore parity before Aurelien Tchouameni headed in from a corner to give Carlo Ancelotti's side the lead.
Ferran Torres saved Barcelona's blushes to equalise proceedings in the 84th minute and force extra time.
The game had been dominated by talk of match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who issued an emotional press conference citing how much pressure Real Madrid TV had put on officials.
What did Antonio Rudiger do to the referee?
Bengoetxea had to officiate an already-charged match with every decision being contested. All hell broke loose after Kounde's goal. As Real Madrid pushed forward for a late equaliser, Mbappe was adjudged to have fouled Gavi, much to the fury of Madrid players.
Antonio Rudiger, who had at that time been substituted, was spotted hurling an object at the referee. The German defender had to be restrained by his teammates and club officials as he attempted to square up with Bengoetxea.
Rudiger was shown a straight red card, with Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez also seeing red.
How long will Antonio Rudiger be banned for?
The referee's report captured what transpired at that time,
"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."
Reports in Spain now indicate that Rudiger could be banned for up to 12 games depending on how the disciplinary committee views the situation.
Source: UGC
What next for Antonio Rudiger
Ancelotti is now set to be without his defender for a prolonged period of time as they attempt to rescue their season.
The Los Blancos are already out of the Champions League but still have a shot at the La Liga title. They are four points behind Barcelona, and the two teams meet again in two weeks' time in what would be a huge title decider.
Madrid are already short of defenders with Eder Militao and David Alaba unavailable. Should Rudiger be handed a lengthy ban, Tchouaméni will be forced to fill in for the remainder of the season.
Ancelotti reacts to Real Madrid game
Speaking after the game, Ancelotti congratulated his side but rued the small details that cost them the game.
"We had the game under control, but they tried to get a ball behind us and that’s when things got complicated. We have to keep fighting because we gave everything we had, we competed very well. We were closer than our opponent. It hurts that we weren’t able to lift the Cup, but we did the job we had to do."
"Something went wrong, because Brahim thought Modric was going to chase him down behind him, but he shot low and short. These are small details that sometimes cost you nothing, and other times they cost you a lot. You have to rest and keep competing until the end."
Bruno Fernandes applauds Barcelona star
TUKO.co.ke had earlier reported that Bruno Fernandes applauded Pedri after the Barcelona star pulled off a ridiculous skill.
The Spanish midfielder beautifully controlled the ball during their La Liga match against Mallorca.
Fernandes took to Instagram and reshared the video, showing his appreciation for the skill.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
