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Rudiger Faces Ban After Throwing Ice Pack at Referee
Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona ended in shambles on Saturday night, with three players sent off and Antonio Rudiger at the center of an explosive controversy.
The German defender, already off the pitch, hurled an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea after protesting a late free-kick decision during Madrid’s 3-2 defeat. Rudiger had to be restrained by teammates and staff as he unleashed a tirade of insults at the official, allegedly calling him a “miscarriage” and a “son of a wh***.”
Teammates Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham were also dismissed for aggressive confrontations with the referee. Bellingham, particularly furious after the final whistle, had to be held back while shouting: “Everything 50/50 goes their way!” — a moment now circulating widely on social media.
Madrid’s Fury Reaches Boiling Point
The tensions had been simmering even before kickoff. Real Madrid TV had aired a blistering critique of De Burgos Bengoetxea’s officiating history, highlighting his lack of experience at Champions League or FIFA-level matches. The pressure reportedly left the referee in tears during a pre-match press conference and nearly caused Madrid to boycott the final altogether.
Despite releasing a late statement denying boycott intentions, Madrid’s hostility was evident throughout the night.
Rudiger’s Season in Jeopardy
Rudiger now faces a significant suspension. History offers a grim precedent: in 2012, Granada’s Dani Benitez received a three-month ban for throwing a bottle at a referee. Speaking after Saturday’s defeat, Rudiger admitted fault:
“There’s no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that, sorry to the referee.”
Barcelona Clinch Historic Win
While Madrid unraveled, Barcelona remained composed. Pedri opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike, but Madrid fought back through Kylian Mbappé’s free-kick and Aurelien Tchouameni’s header to take a 2-1 lead.
Barcelona responded with Ferran Torres equalizing late on, and Jules Kounde sealed the victory in extra time, earning Barça a record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title.
Barcelona’s dominance over Madrid this season is now complete, having won all three Clásicos, including a 5-2 Super Cup demolition and a 4-0 league victory.
Ancelotti’s Uncertain Future
The defeat deepens Madrid’s woes after their Champions League exit to Arsenal. Manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted post-match that his future remains undecided:
“I can continue, I can stop — it will be a topic for the coming weeks.”
