In a dramatic conclusion to the Copa del Rey final, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid had his controversial red card rescinded after the club successfully appealed the decision, while teammate Antonio Rüdiger faces a hefty six-match suspension for his aggressive conduct towards the referee. The final, held on April 26, 2025, saw F.C. Barcelona triumph over Real Madrid with a score of 3-2 after extra time, marking their 32nd Copa del Rey title.
The match was an intense affair that saw both teams battling fiercely. However, the post-match events stole the spotlight. Bellingham, who received a red card after the final whistle, was accused by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea of approaching the officiating crew in an aggressive manner, necessitating restraint by his teammates. The report stated that Bellingham had to be held back, which initially raised concerns about his behavior.
In a twist, Real Madrid provided video evidence that contradicted the referee's claims. The footage clearly showed Bellingham was over fifteen meters away from the referees, making it impossible to conclude that he was behaving aggressively. The disciplinary judge reviewed the video and concluded that Bellingham was merely walking across the field, greeting a Barcelona player, and had not directed any aggressive gestures towards the officials.
As a result of this evidence, the judge ruled to annul the red card, allowing Bellingham to avoid any disciplinary actions and continue playing in future matches, including the upcoming Clásico against Barcelona. The ruling followed article 27.3 of the RFEF's disciplinary code, which emphasizes the need for substantial evidence before imposing penalties.
Meanwhile, Rüdiger’s situation is far more serious. The German defender was handed a six-match ban for what has been classified as “minor violence” towards the officials. His expulsion occurred in the final moments of the match when he threw an object—a piece of ice—at the referee. This act, combined with his aggressive demeanor post-expulsion, led to a significant sanction that will see him miss the remainder of the season and the first match of the next.
Rüdiger, who was replaced by Endrick in the 111th minute, was reported to have confronted the referee after his dismissal, which prompted a strong response from both Spanish and German football authorities. Rudi Völler, the director of the German national team, remarked that Rüdiger needed to change his behavior, labeling such incidents as unacceptable. Following the match, Rüdiger publicly apologized on social media, stating, "There's definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I'm very sorry for that. I committed a mistake before the final whistle. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I disappointed."
Adding to Rüdiger's woes, he underwent successful surgery on April 29, 2025, for a partial tear in his left knee's meniscus. The timing of this injury means he is likely to miss the start of the Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled for June 14, 2025.
Lucas Vázquez, another Real Madrid player, also faced disciplinary action following the Copa del Rey final. He received a two-match suspension for his protests during the game. Unlike Rüdiger, Vázquez's suspension will only affect his participation in the Copa del Rey, allowing him to continue playing in LaLiga EA Sports.
The fallout from the Copa del Rey final highlights the ongoing challenges within football regarding player conduct and the enforcement of disciplinary measures. The contrasting outcomes for Bellingham and Rüdiger have sparked discussions about the consistency and fairness of officiating and subsequent punishments in high-stakes matches.
As the dust settles from this intense encounter, Real Madrid is left to regroup and prepare for their next challenges, while Barcelona celebrates their latest triumph. The rivalry between these two giants of Spanish football continues to captivate fans, with every match adding another chapter to their storied history.
With Bellingham now cleared of any wrongdoing and ready to contribute to his team's efforts, Real Madrid will be eager to bounce back from this setback. The focus now shifts to their upcoming fixtures, where every point will count in the race for league supremacy.
