Madrid's treatment in the Copa del Rey garnered critical scrutiny from international press: "Two days of fury and finger-pointing"
Ranting Real Madrid Players Under Fire
The chaotic scene at the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona left many whispering, "What was that all about?" The New York Times and Spain's Marca slammed Real Madrid's attitude, following their 3-2 defeat on April 26 in Seville.
Right from the start, Real's players targeted the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, displaying their frustration during the entire match. After each whistle, they gathered around the official, venting their displeasure.
Tensions boiled over during extra time, with Antonio Rüdiger, a substitute since the 110th-minute, throwing an ice pack towards the referee in a fit of rage after a foul call for Barcelona. Fortunately, Rüdiger was restrained by teammates, but his aggressive behavior earned him a red card. His disciplinary fate is now in the hands of the Spanish Football Federation's committee—Rüdiger could face a ban of four to twelve matches.
Other players caught in the crossfire include midfielder Jude Bellingham and defender Lucas Vázquez who also received red cards for their outbursts and behavior.
"It's not just about one game," said sports analyst Rafael Martínez. "If Rüdiger's ban is as harsh as expected, it'll impact crucial La Liga matches, including the May 11 Clásico against Barcelona."
Rüdiger took to Instagram to apologize for his behavior, stating, "There’s no excuse for my actions... Sorry to the referee and everyone I've let down."
On the other hand, Lucas Vázquez and Jude Bellingham will serve their suspensions in the next season’s Copa del Rey, with Vázquez facing a minimum ban of two matches and Bellingham a two-match suspension in the 2025–26 Copa del Rey.
However, it's Rüdiger's potential multiple-game ban that poses a threat to Madrid's title bid, jeopardizing their future games in La Liga. If the disciplinary committee decides to classify Rüdiger's actions under Article 104 ("assault"), he might face an extended ban of three to twelve months, although this seems less likely.
- The chaotic Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona has sparked a harsh critique, with players' behavior under scrutiny following Real's 3-2 defeat in Seville.
- Antonio Rüdiger, a Real Madrid player, found himself in the limelight after a fit of rage, throwing an ice pack towards the referee. This aggressive action led to a red card and potentially a ban of four to twelve matches.
- The disciplinary fate of Rüdiger now lies with the Spanish Football Federation's committee, as his actions have the potential to significantly impact crucial La Liga matches, including the May 11 Clásico against Barcelona.
- Sports analyst Rafael Martínez emphasized that Rüdiger's ban could extend beyond the remaining games of the current season, implying a threat to Madrid's title bid.
- Despite his apology on Instagram, Rüdiger's actions in Madrid's match against FC Barcelona raised concerns about discipline and sportsmanship in European leagues, specifically the Spanish La Liga.
