Antonio Rudiger Handed Six-Game Ban, but Jude Bellingham’s Red Card Overturned, Know Why

Real Madrid Suffer Blow With Antonio Rudiger Suspended but Bellingham Cleared To Face Barcelona for Crucial El Clasico.

Real Madrid’s turbulent Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona has continued to stir headlines days after the match. Especially after the Spanish Football Federation handed out contrasting rulings on Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger. The fallout will also have major implications in the upcoming season-defining El Clasico on May 11.

Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle for allegedly showing “an aggressive attitude” toward the officials. After investigation, he had his red card rescinded. Meanwhile, defender Antonio Rudiger who also saw a red card in the same heated incident during extra-time, has been slapped with a six-game suspension.

Rüdiger medical report.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 29, 2025

Why Contrasting Judgements? Rudiger Punished, Bellingham Spared

Rudiger, who had already been substituted, reacted furiously after Barcelona’s 111th-minute winner. He tried to throw a pack of ice toward the pitch. According to referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, Rudiger had to be “restrained by coaching staff,” showing visible aggression.

His outburst earned him a red card and a lengthy suspension. Rudiger posted an apology later on social media and Real Madrid used that as the defender showing remorse. However, the Competition Committee rejected it. Rudiger wrote online:

“There’s definitely no excuse for my behavior. I’m very sorry for that. Before the final whistle, I made a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed.”

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The German international is also recovering from a knee surgery. As a result of that, he is expected to miss the remainder of the LaLiga season. By contrast, Bellingham’s case took a different turn. He was initially shown red for aggressively confronting officials.

However, during the investigation, video evidence presented by Madrid revealed that the English midfielder was not involved and was wrongly given the card. They found no signs of hostility or such involvement in the incident. This contradicted the referee’s report. This “material, manifest error” led to the revocation of his card.

Also Read: They Simply Can’t Beat Us – Lamine Yamal Aims Brutal Dig at Real Madrid After Barcelona’s Copa Del Rey Final Triumph

Barcelona May Appeal Decision?

As per a report from SPORT, Barcelona are reportedly considering challenging the decision to annul Bellingham’s red card. Reportedly, legal expert Miguel Galan noted the ruling may compromise competitive fairness. Especially since Bellingham’s availability could tilt the outcome of the upcoming Clasico.

The league title is still up for grabs with Real Madrid trailing Barcelona at the top only by four points in second place. Hence, none of the two clubs will want to yield at this point. The committee’s judgment is now being scrutinized not just for its legal basis—but for its potential sporting consequences.

Antonio Rudiger

Barcelona

Copa del Rey

El Clasico

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.