Rüdiger rebuked by Germany director V?ller

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is at the center of a firestorm following his explosive outburst during the Copa del Rey final, leaving the German Football Association (DFB) walking a fine line between discipline and dependence ahead of this summer's UEFA Nations League finals, set to take place from June 4 to 8 in Stuttgart and Munich.

The 32-year-old, a two-time Champions League winner, publicly apologized after throwing a bag of ice at referee Ricardo Bengoetxea and launching a tirade of abuse during Real Madrid's 3-2 loss to Barcelona. Despite the incident, and with Spain's football federation considering a 4-12 match ban, Germany's sporting director Rudi Voller confirmed that no national team sanctions would be imposed, despite fierce criticism from legends like Lothar Matthaus and Dietmar Hamann.

Antonio Rudiger (R) of Real Madrid vies with Amar Dedic of Salzburg during the Champions League football match between Real Madrid and Salzburg in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

Voller, a 1990 FIFA World Cup winner, acknowledged Rudiger's misconduct but defended the defender's importance to the Germany national team.

"He's an exceptional footballer, a passionate fighter - but respect is non-negotiable. He knows this," Voller said. The DFB's statement attributed the incident to the "overheated atmosphere" at Real Madrid, but Voller stressed that Rudiger "must change."

Rudiger has since held crisis talks with Voller, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, and DFB president Bernd Neuendorf. "We've discussed this at length," Voller revealed. Rudiger's apology was clear, stating, "No excuses for my behavior," though it has not been enough to satisfy his critics.

Despite Rudiger's public apology, German football icons, including Matthaus, Hamann, and Mario Basler, have called for his suspension from the national team.

Hamann, a 2005 Champions League winner and now a prominent pundit, has demanded a two-match suspension for Rudiger during the Nations League finals. "This isn't the first time his conduct has crossed the line," Hamann said.

Ex-Germany star Basler went further, labeling Rudiger "unbearable" and urging his removal from the national squad. "He's repeatedly crossed red lines," fumed the former Bayern Munich playmaker.

Matthaus was blunt in his criticism: "Rudiger betrayed his role-model status. This rage lasted minutes, not seconds."