A Night Full of Tension and Controversy
Referee Against Real: Bellingham’s Red Card and Rüdiger’s Heavy Suspension
The controversial referee of El Clásico submitted a detailed report against Real Madrid stars.
According to reports, Ricardo de Burgos sent off three Real Madrid players in the final minutes of the Copa del Rey final. Two were dismissed during the match, and the third after the game during protests against his decisions.
The referee’s report confirms that the third red card, which was initially unclear, was issued to Jude Bellingham. Additionally, the report uses strong language regarding Antonio Rüdiger, suggesting a heavy suspension for the defender.
The Basque referee wrote: “In the 120th minute, player number (22) Antonio Rüdiger was sent off for throwing an object from the technical area without it reaching me. After showing the red card, he displayed aggressive behavior and had to be restrained by several staff members.”
Rüdiger lost his composure in the closing moments when De Burgos called a foul by Kylian Mbappé on Eric García, dashing Real Madrid’s hopes of a draw. The entire Real bench protested, and Rüdiger threw a piece of ice toward the referee’s area, which did not reach him. After receiving the red card, the player aggressively charged at the referee and attempted to throw another piece of ice twice.
The ice pack was torn apart by a staff member before the situation worsened. His second attempt was also thwarted by teammates. Several Real Madrid players and staff managed to calm him down, but a heavy suspension looms over him, potentially banning him for 4 to 12 matches.
Lucas Vázquez was also sent off alongside Rüdiger. De Burgos explained the straight red card: “In the 120th minute, player number (17) Lucas Vázquez was sent off for protesting one of our decisions, entering the field by several meters, and making provocative gestures.”
After the match, amid protests, the referee issued a third red card, initially thought to be for Vinícius Jr. However, the official match report clarified the recipient. De Burgos stated: “In the 999th minute, player number (5) Jude Victor William Bellingham was sent off for aggressively approaching us after the match and needing to be restrained by his teammates.”
