Defender Throws Ice at Referee as Madrid’s Frustration Boils Over in Chaotic El Clásico Ending
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger could be hit with a massive suspension after an explosive meltdown following his team’s dramatic 3-2 Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona on Saturday night. The German international’s shocking behavior overshadowed what had been a thrilling match decided by Jules Koundé’s 116th-minute winner.
The chaos erupted deep into extra time when Rüdiger, already substituted, launched ice toward referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea from the touchline. Teammates Lucas Vázquez and Vinícius Júnior had already stormed the pitch to confront officials before staff eventually restrained a furious Rüdiger from physically approaching the referee.
According to the official match report, Rüdiger was dismissed for “throwing an object from the technical area” while displaying an “aggressive attitude.” The document reveals the defender had to be held back by multiple coaching staff members, including goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, after initially being escorted away only to reappear from the tunnel seeking further confrontation.
The ugly scenes capped a heartbreaking collapse for Madrid, who had fought back from Pedri’s first-half stunner through Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, only to concede late to Ferran Torres before Koundé’s spectacular winner.
Jude Bellingham also saw red in the dying moments, with the English star allegedly telling the referee: “Make him understand, everything is going their [Barcelona’s] way.” The official report cited Bellingham’s “aggressive attitude” as grounds for dismissal.
This disciplinary nightmare compounds Madrid’s misery after surrendering their Copa del Rey crown. With Rüdiger now facing a potentially season-ending ban, manager Carlo Ancelotti must regroup his squad quickly with a crucial La Liga Clásico looming on May 11 that could decide the title race.
Spanish FA officials confirm they’re reviewing all incidents, with severe punishments expected given the unprecedented nature of Rüdiger’s actions toward match officials. The fallout from this explosive El Clásico promises to linger long after the final whistle.
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