Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger (32) has once again found himself at the center of controversy both on and off the field. German national team legend Didi Hamann publicly urged for "discipline against Rüdiger."

According to Germany's 'Bild,' on the 28th (Korea time), "Didi Hamann pointed out Rüdiger's serious misconduct and argued that the German Football Association (DFB) must take disciplinary measures."

The incident occurred during the Copa del Rey final. Real Madrid finished as runners-up after a 2-3 comeback defeat to Barcelona. In the dying moments of the match, Rüdiger, who had already been substituted, threw an ice pack towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea from the bench. Fortunately, he did not hit the referee, but his action immediately led to a red card.

The problem did not end there. An enraged Rüdiger attempted to rush at the referee, and his teammates and staff had to struggle to restrain him. According to footage captured by German broadcasters, he hurled German insults such as "Hurensohn (son of a whore)" and "Missgeburt (monstrosity)".

As the incident grew, Rüdiger apologized via social media. "There is no excuse for my behavior last night. I am truly sorry to the referee," he said. However, significant damage had already been done to Rüdiger's image.

Hamann criticized strongly, saying, "A player of captain's caliber should not engage in behavior that undermines the team's values." He further noted, "We must face strong teams like Portugal, Spain, and France in the Nations League final in June. The impact would be significant if defensive leader Rüdiger is absent, but we cannot abandon our principles."

In fact, this is not the first time Rüdiger has acted out. In March, during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Atlético Madrid, he made a 'cutting throat' gesture towards the crowd, which caused controversy. At that time, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) imposed a €40,000 ($43,300) fine and a one-match suspension on Rüdiger.

Additionally, during the Champions League match against Arsenal on April 17, Rüdiger stepped on the abdomen of 18-year-old defender Myles Lewis-Skelly while contesting a ball.

Earlier, in the group stage match against Japan in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he faced backlash for mockingly running with exaggerated steps at his opponent. Last year at Real Madrid's training ground, he held the hand of the club's kit manager and then slapped his face. The kit manager, shocked by Rüdiger's violence, attempted to evade, but Rüdiger did not let go and struck his face again.

In training before the match against Arsenal, Rüdiger collided with teammate Jude Bellingham following a rough tackle. Having engaged in such 'misbehavior', Rüdiger is again under scrutiny for his violent actions towards the referee.

Meanwhile, the German national team will participate in the Nations League to be held in June in Munich and Stuttgart. Their first opponent is Portugal, and if they reach the finals, they will face either Spain or France.

If the tournament is held without Rüdiger, the weakening of the defense cannot be avoided, but Hamann remains firm. "While results are important in football, even more important are the fundamental dignity and values of the team. If these cannot be upheld, no star should be exempt," he stated resolutely.

Real Madrid, following their recent elimination from the Champions League and drop to second place in the league, finds itself facing a dire situation with the Rüdiger scandal compounding the worst atmosphere as they approach the end of the season.

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