Real Madrid News
RFEF rejects Real Madrid’s appeal to reduce defender’s six-game suspension after Copa del Rey fiasco
In a fresh blow to Real Madrid, the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) Appeal Committee has rejected the club’s appeal against the six-match ban handed to Antonio Rudiger.
The decision, reported by SPORT, confirms that the German international will serve the full suspension, stemming from his controversial dismissal in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
The incident, which occurred in April, saw Rudiger sent off by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
According to the match report, the defender was expelled for “throwing an object from the technical area”—a moment that was later revealed via footage to involve a bag of ice that didn’t even reach the official.
However, the situation escalated when the referee added that Rudiger had to be physically restrained by several coaching staff members due to what was described as an “aggressive attitude”.
No leniency towards Rudiger
Citing Article 101 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, the single-judge committee initially imposed a six-match ban, classifying the behaviour as “mild violence towards the referees”.
The article provides for a suspension ranging from four to twelve games, meaning that Rudiger actually received a mid-range penalty. Still, Real Madrid believed there were mitigating circumstances.
The club’s appeal highlighted Rudiger’s public apology, posted on social media shortly after the incident, in which he expressed regret and asked for forgiveness. Madrid hoped this gesture of contrition would be enough to reduce the punishment.
However, the Appeal Committee saw no grounds for leniency and chose to uphold the original decision.
Rudiger, who is currently recovering from a meniscus operation, wouldn’t have been fit to feature in the immediate matches anyway.
The timing of the suspension coincides with his recovery, though he is hopeful of returning in time for the FIFA Club World Cup under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
