In March, a grotesque and morbid image circulated through the football world. After the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Antonio Rudiger made a throat-slitting gesture with his thumb and rolled his eyes like a dying man in front of the Atletico Madrid fan section. For this disgusting act, he was fined 40,000 euros and received only a one-match conditional suspension—meaning he will only miss a game if he repeats a similar offense within the next year.German legends disgusted by Rudiger’s behaviour: ‘That’s unacceptable!’Now, the German defender has been handed a six-match ban due to the red card he received at the end of the Spanish Cup final against Barcelona on Saturday. Rudiger was sent off for “throwing an object” at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. He became so unruly that five club staff members barely managed to hold him back from attacking the referee. When he couldn’t reach him, he threw ice at him.Bellingham and Rudiger clash at training session!Although this punishment may seem harsh, it is ultimately irrelevant, as there are only five rounds left in the Spanish season, and Rudiger would have missed them anyway due to undergoing left knee surgery earlier that Tuesday, effectively ending his season. Real Madrid also lost Ferland Mendy for the rest of the season after he tore a tendon just 11 minutes into the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, and he is expected to be sidelined for about three months. It is also worth noting that after reviewing the footage, it was determined that Jude Bellingham was not at fault and was unfairly shown a red card, which has since been overturned. Lucas Vazquez received a one-match suspension, which will apply to the first Cup match of next season.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – SEMI-FINALSFirst legTuesdayArsenal – PSG 0-1 (0-1)/Dembele 4/Wednesday22:00: (1.65) Barcelona (4.30) Inter (5.20)***odds are subject to change***
