Antonio Rudiger’s turbulent week has left Real Madrid reeling and his worldwide future hanging within the steadiness.
The German middle again was slapped with a six-match suspension for violent conduct towards match officers following Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey last defeat to Barcelona.
The Spanish FA cited Article 52 of its disciplinary code, one of many harshest rulings this season, after Rudiger hurled an object towards the referee and protested aggressively from the sidelines – after being subbed off in further time.
Adding damage to insult, the 32-year-old underwent surgical procedure on Tuesday for a torn outer meniscus in his left knee.
Per Spanish outlet AS, the operation may sideline Rudiger for six to eight weeks.
He’s now racing towards time to be match for Germany’s UEFA Nations League Final Four conflict with Portugal on June 4 and Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener within the U.S. on June 18.
“After playing more than seven months in severe pain, surgery was unfortunately unavoidable,” Rudiger wrote on Instagram. “I’m finally pain-free again … but I’ll take it week by week.”
The ban, which incorporates La Liga and home fixtures, means Rudiger will miss the remainder of Madrid’s five-match league run-in. He’ll serve the ultimate match of the suspension in the beginning of subsequent season.
Madrid’s protection in disaster
Rudiger joins a swelling damage listing.
Ferland Mendy suffered a ruptured quadriceps in the identical last, sidelining him for at the least two months.
David Alaba stays out with a meniscus tear, whereas Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are additionally unavailable as a consequence of long-term accidents.
With 5 video games remaining and a four-point hole behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, Madrid’s title hopes hold by a thread.
Mendy had simply returned to the lineup after six weeks out, solely to be compelled off early within the last. The blow means he’ll additionally miss the Club World Cup in Miami.
Bellingham cleared, Vazquez banned
In distinction to Rudiger’s heavy punishment, Jude Bellingham’s purple card from the ultimate was rescinded.
The evaluation panel discovered no proof of aggressive habits towards the referee, contradicting preliminary stories that he needed to be restrained.
However, Lucas Vazquez acquired a two-match ban for vehemently protesting referee selections throughout the fiery El Clasico.
National workforce fallout
Rudiger’s antics sparked debate throughout Germany.
Sporting director Rudi Voller known as the act “unacceptable,” particularly from a nationwide workforce participant, however acknowledged Rudiger’s public apology confirmed self-awareness.
Former internationals Lothar Matthäus and Dietmar Hamann criticized him sharply, suggesting the defender might have to be dropped from the nationwide squad for disciplinary causes.
But not everybody joined the refrain.
Midfield maestro and longtime pal Toni Kroos fired again at critics:
“He’ll get punished, and it’s justified. But let’s not act like he killed someone,” Kroos mentioned at his Icon League occasion in Dusseldorf.
Kroos revealed he had spoken with Rudiger, who admitted fault and expressed remorse.
“The images speak for themselves. He knows it was a big mistake.”
Legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn added a observe of forgiveness:
“Who doesn’t overshoot the mark sometimes? That should be enough for now.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com