Antonio Ruediger urged to change behavior after Copa del Rey red card incident

Germany sporting director Rudi Voeller calls for Antonio Ruediger to improve his conduct after Real Madrid controversy.

Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid and Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey match at Estadio de la Cartuja on April 26, 2025, in Seville, Spain. Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Real Madrid defender Antonio Ruediger has come under heavy criticism after his red card incident during the Copa del Rey final, prompting Germany’s sporting director Rudi Voeller to publicly call for the player to change his behavior. The controversy unfolded during Real Madrid's 3-2 defeat to Barcelona on Sunday, where Ruediger's actions overshadowed the intense Clasico showdown.

Antonio Ruediger red card has dominated headlines, as the 32-year-old Germany international lost his composure late in extra time. Substituted before the final whistle, Ruediger was sent off after throwing an object at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. His reaction prompted an intense scene, as teammates Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham also saw red cards amid the post-match chaos.

Voeller, speaking to German news agency SID, addressed the situation firmly. "Toni is an exceptional footballer and a very emotional guy, a fighter on the pitch. He has to stay that way," Voeller said. "But in this case, he and some of his teammates let themselves be influenced too much by the extremely tense atmosphere around the club."

Pre-final tensions contribute to Ruediger's actions

Tensions had already been building before the Copa del Rey final. Referee Bengoetxea and VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes had both complained about Real Madrid’s club television channel criticizing match officials throughout the season. This backdrop of hostility likely contributed to the heated scenes witnessed during and after the match.

"This can't happen. Especially not as a player for the German national team," Voeller emphasized. "He has to change that, and he knows it himself, as his public reaction shows."

Ruediger issued an immediate apology via social media, acknowledging his error. "There's definitely no excuse for my behavior last night. I'm very sorry for that," he posted. "After 111 minutes, I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle, I made a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed."

Internal discussions within German football authorities

Following the incident, Ruediger promptly contacted Rudi Voeller and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. Voeller revealed that the trio discussed the matter extensively. The German Football Association (DFB) also held internal conversations regarding the player's future conduct.

"Toni is an excellent player, but as a national team player, he must also show class in his behavior," Voeller said. "He rightly demands respect for himself. This respect he must also show to others without exception."

The Antonio Ruediger red card situation comes at a critical time for Germany, with the Nations League finals looming. The incident has sparked a wide debate among former German internationals over how to respond.

Mixed reactions from former Germany players

Ex-Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus, the national team’s appearance record holder, expressed outrage at Ruediger’s conduct. Speaking to German broadcaster Sky, Matthaeus said, "He lost his mind. He was out of control. I expect a XXL suspension."

Matthaeus also noted that Ruediger was already under scrutiny after being suspended for one match by UEFA earlier this year. That ban came after Ruediger made a throat-slitting gesture during a Champions League shootout victory against Atletico Madrid in March.

Spanish Football Association rules dictate that Ruediger could face a suspension ranging from four to 12 matches for his Copa del Rey behavior. However, SID reported that the DFB does not plan to impose additional penalties.

Another former Germany international, Dieter Hamann, believes stronger action is necessary. Hamann suggested that the DFB should suspend Ruediger from upcoming national team duties. "I think the DFB should suspend him. I wouldn't consider him for the Nations League finals. I would suspend him for two matches," Hamann said on Sport 1.

However, not all voices have called for strict punishment.

Calls for understanding and support

Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann took a more sympathetic view of the Antonio Ruediger red card incident. Speaking on Welt TV, Lehmann argued that Ruediger’s aggressive mentality is a crucial part of his success.

"He became such a great player because of who he is. And if we try to take that away from him now, he might not be able to reach his full potential," Lehmann said. "I'm not sure we can afford to do without him."

Lehmann’s comments reflect a broader debate over whether high-intensity players like Ruediger should be allowed more latitude, particularly when their passion fuels top performances.

Germany's Nations League finals preparations

Germany will host the Nations League final four tournament in June. The semifinals are set for June 4 in Munich, where Germany will face Portugal. Depending on the outcome, they will either contest the final or the third-place playoff four days later.

Given Ruediger’s crucial role in Germany’s defense, his availability and mental readiness will be vital. Yet the Antonio Ruediger red card saga could overshadow preparations if not handled carefully.

Voeller and Nagelsmann face a delicate balancing act: maintaining discipline within the squad while ensuring that one of their most experienced defenders remains engaged and motivated.

With public and media scrutiny high, how Germany deals with the Antonio Ruediger red card fallout may set the tone for their Nations League campaign and beyond.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: Antonio Ruediger must learn from his mistake and channel his fierce passion in a way that uplifts his team, rather than endangering it.