Real Madrid defender owns up to his behaviour during Copa del Rey final – ‘I went too far’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has openly admitted that his behaviour during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona was out of line.

It must be noted that the centre-back threw an ice cube at the referee in the tense closing moments of the match against Barcelona, an action that earned him a heavy suspension.

Speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung (h/t AS), Rudiger was honest about the incident and did not hide from responsibility.

He accepted that emotions got the better of him in a high-pressure moment, leading to a decision he now regrets deeply.

Rudiger owns up to his behaviour

“There’s no doubt that my behaviour was incorrect and completely excessive. It was stupid to throw the bandage onto the pitch and lose my temper.

“I’m aware that I’m now going to be subjected to particular critical scrutiny,” Rudiger admitted in the interview.

The Real Madrid defender also highlighted that he has always been a player who plays with intensity and passion.

Antonio Rudiger served a six-match suspension. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Everyone knows I’m a very emotional guy who always gives 100% on the pitch. My style of play is fueled by those emotions, which have made me the centre back I am today.

“But in the context of this final, I clearly went too far. It was a huge mistake, and I was very angry with myself for it,” he explained.

Six-match ban for the defender

The fallout from his actions was immediate and severe. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) handed Rudiger a six-match ban, citing not only the ice cube incident but also his insults directed at the referee after the final whistle.

Rudiger remains an important figure in Real Madrid’s defence, but the defender has not served his suspension and was back in the starting XI against Oviedo.

His public admission shows his willingness to take responsibility, though the ban serves as a reminder of the consequences when emotions spill over in crucial moments.