'There will be greater consequences' - Antonio Rudiger given severe warning by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann following Real Madrid star's outburst at referee in Copa del Rey final

Germany manager Nagelsmann has warned Rudiger he cannot display the same behaviour that got him sent off in the Copa del Rey final back in April.

Having been substituted with Madrid losing to Barcelona, Rudiger was sent off during stoppage time of extra time for insulting the referee and throwing an object in the official's direction. The former Chelsea star apologised afterwards but was still handed a six-game suspension by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), though Rudiger wasn't affected by it as he had to undergo knee surgery and would end up missing the final few months of the season.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Nagelsmann said: "Of course, we've had a lot of dialogue about the incident. He knows my opinion that it was wrong and not good. And he has also reached the limit, he knows that. Rudi said that too, I told him that too.

"I think he said it twice, that it was wrong, that it was a mistake. And there's no question about that. And he also knows that it must not happen again.

"Otherwise there will simply be greater consequences. We are very transparent with him."

Germany's squad for their upcoming Nations League finals games did not include Rudiger as he is still recovering from surgery. In his absence, Nagelsmann has selected centre-back options like Jonathan Tah, Robin Koch, Waldemar Anton and Yann Bisseck.

Rudiger isn't expected to be fit again until late July, which would rule him out of contention for Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign. Germany, meanwhile, take on Portugal in their Nations League semi-final on Wednesday.