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Real Madrid defender Antony Rudiger has apologised for throwing an object at the referee in the 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.
The incident happened when the referee called a foul for a challenge by forward Kylian Mbappe on defender Eric Garcia, denying Real a final chance to find an equaliser moments after Barcelona’s Jules Kounde scored the winner in the 116th minute.
The referee’s decision led to an outrage from Real Madrid players especially from Rudiger, who reacted angrily from the substitute bench.
The former Chelsea defender was sent off for his reaction and had to be restrained by his teammates and coaching staff to prevent him from bursting into the pitch and throwing bags of ice at the official.
Rudiger expressed regret at his action on Social media on Sunday while apologising.
He wrote: “There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that.
“We played a very good game from the 2nd half. 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 was disappointed with last night.”
Lucas Vazquez, and Jude Bellingham were also sent off after the final whistle for unsportsmanlike conduct but Rudiger is expected to get a lengthy ban for his actions.
He could be suspended for a range of four to 12 matches according to the Spanish FA regulations and, being considered a serious sanction, he would have to serve the ban in all domestic competitions, including LaLiga.
Real Madrid will return to action in the La Liga against Celta Vigo next Sunday, they are currently four points behind Barcelona in the race for the title with five matches to go.
