Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was suspended by six games by the Spanish FA for his behavior in the last defeat of Copa del Rey against Barcelona.
Rudiger was sent away during the final of Saturday, which was won 3-2 after extra time by Barcelona, alongside Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham.
The defender was shown a red for his response to an error given to Kylian Mbappe shortly after Jules Kounde scored the winner in stopping time.
Rudiger later apologized for his behavior, while Vazquez received a ban from two games and Bellingham, who received a red card after the last whistle to protest against the referee, avoided a suspension.
Rudiger's ban comes on the same day that the German has undergone knee operation to resolve a constant injury.
After I had played with serious pain for more than seven months, it was unfortunately inevitable that I had to undergo a meniscus operation. Now I am finally pain -free again and the operation was a success. Thanks to the medical team. I want to be able to play again as … pic.twitter.com/hhrfd3io1U
– Antonio Rüdigiger (@toniruudiger) April 29, 2025
“Our player Antonio Rudiger today underwent a successful operation for a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left leg,” Real said in a statement. “Rudiger will soon start with repair work.”
Rudiger had played pain for seven months and said on his X page that he wanted to play in the coming major tournaments.
“I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two major tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me,” he posted on X.
“But I have to look now from week to week and we will see it. I will do everything to make it happen.”
Next for Real Madrid is a home game against Celta Vigo on Sunday, while they follow Liga leaders Barcelona with four points with five more games.