Overview

• Antonio Rüdiger threw ice cubes and hurled German insults at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey loss to FC Barcelona, leading to a red card and potential suspension.
• The Spanish Football Federation is considering a suspension of four to twelve matches under its disciplinary regulations for Rüdiger's actions.
• The DFB, through Sportdirektor Rudi Völler, condemned Rüdiger's behavior but decided against excluding him from the national team for the upcoming Nations League matches.
• Former players Dietmar Hamann and Lothar Matthäus have publicly called for Rüdiger’s suspension from the German national team to set a stronger example.
• This incident follows an earlier UEFA probationary ban and fine imposed on Rüdiger for a provocative gesture during a Champions League match.