Former Barcelona midfielder defends Real Madrid star’s lengthy ban – ‘He crossed the line’ | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger did not earn himself any favours with his actions on the sidelines during the recent Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.

The German star, after all, threw an object in the direction of the on-field referee and had to be held back by his teammates and staff. His actions have earned him a six-game ban which extends across competitions in Spain.

Rudiger is thus out for the rest of the league season and will also miss the first match of the next campaign. He has now made use of the same time to undergo a much-needed knee surgery and may be available in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Gundogan speaks on Rudiger

Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan knows the Real Madrid star well from their time together in the German national team.

Speaking to the media on the defender’s situation, the former Barcelona midfielder gave an in-depth analysis of how Rudiger was wrong.

“When you have Toni (Rudiger) on your team, you think it’s great; when you have him as an opponent, it’s super annoying,” he said.

“That’s just his style on the field. Toni (Rudiger) is emotional; in exceptional cases, such as in the cup final, unfortunately, he crossed the line,” Gundogan added, admitting that Rudiger was at fault.

“There is no doubt that it was a big mistake,” he added.

The former Barcelona star then went on to state that Rudiger deserves the punishment that has been handed to him.

“Toni (Rudiger) will be sanctioned with 100% of the sanction. That should be enough. Now he has to go through the fire.”

Gundogan knows Rudiger well from their together with Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

While he did side against the defender for his recent actions, Gundogan did not hold back in praising the Real Madrid star for his character and spoke on how it is to be on a team with Rudiger, saying:

“When you have Toni with all his strength and passion on the team, you can get a lot out of him on the field, even celebrating it: I experienced it myself in the national team with him.”

“He helps the team, and our fans consider him exceptional. Sometimes, one doesn’t work without the other,” he added.

On Rudiger’s inherent nature and how he was not always as aggressive as he showed on the field against Barcelona, he noted:

“I know Toni very well. I would never question his character; I respect him very much. He has helped me a lot in the conversations; I know Toni as a family man.”

Finally, the German midfielder called for the veteran to be prepared to face the music for his drama on the sidelines.

“Toni now has to bear the consequences, either in the sporting field or with public opinion, especially in Germany.”

Source: MARCA