Rudiger could be hit with 12-game ban after 'Clasico' dismissal

Substituted Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was sent off in the final seconds of Los Blancos' 3-2 defeat in the Copa del Rey final for "throwing an object" onto the pitch towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.

The German defender apologised to supporters and the official, admitting that there was "no excuse" for his reckless behaviour. "There's definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I'm very sorry for that," Rudiger wrote on his socials. "We played a very good game from the second half onwards.

"After 111 minutes, I was not able to help my team anymore, and before the final whistle, I made a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night." Despite his apology, the former Chelsea centre-back could be hit with a huge suspension.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disciplinary code states under 101, which covers "mild violence" towards referees, that Rudiger could receive a suspension of between 4 and 12 matches, which could potentially put an end to his 2024/25 season.

According to De Burgos Bengoetxea's report, Vazquez, also replaced, was dismissed for further protest, with Bellingham also seeing red after the final whistle for showing an "aggressive attitude" towards the referee, who wrote that the midfielder "had to be restrained by his teammates".

However, the duo's red cards are likely to lead to bans in next season's Copa del Rey for being less serious infringements. Barca have beaten Madrid in all three Clasicos this season, with Los Blancos' last chance of major silverware lying with the league title, where they trail their rivals by four points.