Germany coach, Voeller, emphasizes the importance of Ruediger demonstrating respect towards his fellow teammates and opponents.
In an explosive turn of events, Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger found himself in hot water following a heated altercation with a referee during Real Madrid's 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. The 32-year-old was shown a red card and had to be held back by fellow players after throwing an object at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
In the tense aftermath, Rüdiger was visibly upset and had to be held back from confronting the official. Teammates Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham were also sent off at the end of the game. Ex-Germany coach Bernd Voeller, speaking to SID, criticized Rüdiger's behavior, stating that he and his teammates had been influenced too much by the tense atmosphere surrounding the club.
Voeller added that Rüdiger must change his behavior, citing his past actions as a player for the German national team. Rüdiger later took to social media to apologize for his actions, acknowledging that there was "no excuse" for his behavior.
The fallout from this incident has been swift. Rüdiger faces a suspension of between four and 12 matches under Spanish Football Association rules, but he is not expected to be sanctioned by the German Football Association (DFB). reports suggest he will miss the remaining five La Liga matches this season and the opening game of the 2025–26 campaign due to a six-match ban from the RFEF for violent conduct against officials[1]. Additionally, Rüdiger is expected to miss several weeks due to knee surgery, potentially keeping him out of the season's conclusion regardless of the suspension.
The incident has sparked outrage among some former Germany internationals. Ex-Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus has demanded a significant suspension for Rüdiger, stating that he was "out of control" and deserves "a XXL suspension." In contrast, former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann argued that Rüdiger's fiery personality is what has made him a successful player and that trying to change him now could prevent him from reaching his full potential.
With Germany hosting the final four of the Nations League and a semi-final against Portugal scheduled for June 4 in Munich, the question remains whether Rüdiger will be available for selection. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
© 2025 AFP
[1] European governing body UEFA (UEFA), Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and German Football Association (DFB) announce respective sanctions for Rüdiger following misconduct at the Copa del Rey final. The suspension from the RFEF will result in Rüdiger missing the remaining five La Liga matches this season and the opening game of the 2025–26 campaign. Additionally, Rüdiger is expected to miss several weeks due to knee surgery, potentially ruling him out of the season's conclusion regardless of the suspension.
- The international football community is abuzz with the recent developments in the Champions League, particularly in the Copa del Rey final, where Antonio Rüdiger's behavior was deemed unacceptable.
- Rüdiger's actions, which included throwing an object at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, have led to a potential ban from the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) and the German Football Association (DFB).
- Reports suggest that Rüdiger will miss the remaining five La Liga matches this season and the opening game of the 2025–26 campaign due to a six-match ban from the RFEF for violent conduct against officials.
- Ex-Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus has demanded a significant suspension for Rüdiger, stating that his actions were out of control and warrant a "XXL suspension."
- Former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, however, argues that Rüdger's fiery personality is what has made him a successful player, and that trying to change him now could prevent him from reaching his full potential.
- With Germany hosting the final four of the Nations League and a semi-final against Portugal scheduled for June 4 in Munich, the question remains whether Rüdger will be available for selection, given his potential suspension and planned knee surgery.
