Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match suspension after being sent off for throwing an object at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona.

The Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee ruled that Rudiger’s actions constituted “minor violence against referees,” a breach of article 101 of the federation’s disciplinary code. Although the object did not hit the referee, De Burgos Bengoetxea reported that Rudiger displayed an “aggressive attitude” from the technical area at the end of extra time.

The 32-year-old Germany international, who had already been substituted, was shown a red card after having to be restrained by team-mates and staff. His ban will not be limited to next season’s Copa del Rey but will also apply to La Liga, as suspensions of four or more matches in Spain carry across domestic competitions.

Rudiger, who has played 49 times for Real Madrid this season despite battling knee issues, apologised publicly after the incident, stating there was “no excuse” for his behaviour.

Meanwhile, his team-mate Jude Bellingham, who was also sent off following the final whistle, has avoided suspension. The RFEF overturned Bellingham’s dismissal after video evidence showed the England international had maintained a “calm attitude” and was more than 15 metres away from the match officials during the confrontation.

Lucas Vazquez, another Madrid player who was substituted before the end of the game, received a two-match Copa del Rey ban for “excessive protesting” directed at the officials.