Two of Germany’s biggest legends ever in Lothar Matthäus and Oliver Kahn have reacted to Antonio Rüdiger’s behaviour in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. They don’t share the same opinion.
| Antonio Rüdiger. | Photo: Florencia Tan Jun / Getty Images |
Football Germany has reacted very emotionally to Antonio Rüdiger’s behaviour in the Copa del Rey final loss against Barcelona last Saturday. Lothar Matthäus and Oliver Kahn, both known for their emotional behaviour on the pitch themselves, have now reacted to Rüdiger’s escapade.
For context: After being subbed off in the 111th minute of the final against Barcelona, Antonio Rüdiger was following the game very emotionally – like everyone else in the stadium, too.
It was a wrong call from the referee however, when Rüdiger lost control over his emotions and he threw his cooling pack on the pitch and towards the referee.
“Antonio Rüdiger’s behaviour was absolutely unacceptable, I’ve never seen that before. […] I think this must have consequences, even within the national team, regardless of his sporting value to the team”, said Lothar Matthäus for Sky Germany about the incident.
His former teammate Oliver Kahn, often called an “aggressive leader” during his playing time, reacted differently on his personal Twitter/X account:
“Emotions on the pitch are not always helpful. But who doesn’t overshoot the mark sometimes. Rüdiger has shown insight. That should be enough for now.”
Rüdiger sustained a knee injury in the game against Barcelona and will miss the rest of the season.
https://bulinews.com/rudiger-injury-puts-nations-league-final-four-participation-germany-doubt
He has also been punished with a lengthy ban, which currently accumulates to 6 games.
