Antonio Rüdiger could face a significant sanction after his expulsion in the Copa del Rey final. Once on the bench, he was caught by cameras throwing an object—a bottle—toward the referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
What Punishment Could Rüdiger Receive?
According to the Disciplinary Code of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), assaults on referees can lead to severe sanctions. In cases of attempted assault without physical contact, such as throwing objects, the sanctions can range from 4 to 12 match suspensions, depending on the severity and intent of the act. Additionally, if it is considered that there was serious violent conduct, the sanction could increase, including possible financial fines.
Rüdiger's action was described as "unforgivable" by sports commentators, anticipating a possible historic sanction for the German defender. The RFEF has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but it is expected that the Competition Committee will analyze the incident and determine the corresponding sanction in the coming days.
There are precedents in Spanish soccer of players being sanctioned for throwing objects at referees. One of the most notorious cases is that of Dani Benítez, who in 2012 was suspended for three months after throwing a bottle at referee Clos Gómez, hitting him on the left cheekbone during a match between Granada and Real Madrid.
In this case, the object thrown by Rüdiger, which for other versions was an ice pack, did not hit the referee.
A Ceuta Player Received Six Months
Another relevant case occurred in 2011, when Rubén Gracia "Cani," from Villarreal, was expelled for throwing a water bottle toward Real Madrid's coach, José Mourinho. Although the object did not hit anyone, the referee initially showed him the red card, but later reduced the sanction to a simple warning.
In lower categories, severe sanctions have also been recorded. For example, in 2012, a youth player from Ceuta was suspended for six months after throwing a bottle full of water at a referee's head, although the object only grazed him.
These precedents indicate that sanctions for throwing objects at referees can vary significantly, from warnings to prolonged suspensions, depending on factors such as intent, impact, and the context of the incident.