Overview

• Antonio Rüdiger threw an ice pack at the referee and verbally insulted him in German during Real Madrid's 3–2 extra-time loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 27, 2025.
• The incident led to Rüdiger receiving a red card, raising questions about his conduct as vice-captain of the German national team ahead of the Nations League finals.
• TV experts Dietmar Hamann and Lothar Matthäus have called for the DFB to impose strict sanctions, with Matthäus predicting a suspension of double-digit weeks.
• Former referee Thorsten Kinhöfer described Rüdiger's actions as a 'disgrace' and suggested the national coach reconsider his role in the team.
• The DFB has not commented on the incident, with President Bernd Neuendorf maintaining silence on potential disciplinary measures.