The German Football Federation will not sanction Rudiger despite criticism - reports
Lothar Matthaus has criticised Antonio Rudiger for his actions following the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. The Real Madrid defender was seen throwing an ice-pack in the direction of the referee and appeared visibly upset after the final whistle.
Matthaus called for a strong punishment, saying the German Football Association (DFB) should take action against Rudiger. Dietmar Hamann, another former German footballer, also suggested a suspension from the DFB for the defender.
However, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine (via MARCA), the DFB does not plan to suspend Rudiger. The report states that the DFB considered Rudiger’s public apology the day after the match, where he expressed regret and apologised to the referee. Rudiger also contacted Germany’s sporting director Rudi Voller and coach Julian Nagelsmann to apologise personally.
The DFB did issue a reprimand to Rudiger but decided against a suspension. The defender is now considering knee surgery to address his fitness issues, aware that he may face a lengthy period on the sidelines regardless.
