Antonio Rudiger facing huge ban after throwing MISSILE at referee from touchline in complete head-loss at end of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona

In the final stages of Real's 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, Rudiger and his Real team-mates were incensed by a decision that went in Barca's favour as Kylian Mbappe attempted to mount an attack. Rudiger was so angry at the decision, he appeared to throw a missile, believed to be ice, towards the referee. He was shown a red card, as were Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham, after the trio attempted to protest.

Having been sent off, Rudiger was restrained by his team-mates and was prevented from reaching the match official. He had been substituted due to "exhaustion", per manager Carlo Ancelotti. Now, according to Cadena SER, he faces a ban of between four and 12 games, meaning he could well be suspended for the remainder of the season. Another clip of the incident shows the defender attempting to throw more bags of ice, but he was held back.

In his referee report, perMetro, the official said: "In the 120th minute, player (22) Rudiger, Antonio, was sent off for the following reason: For throwing an object from the technical area, which missed me. After being shown the red card, he had to be restrained by several members of the coaching staff, displaying an aggressive attitude.

"In the 120th minute, player (17) Vazquez Iglesias, Lucas, was sent off for the following reason: For protesting one of our decisions, entering the field of play for several meters, making gestures of disagreement.

"In the 999th minute, player (5) Bellingham, Jude Victor William, was sent off for the following reason: After the end of the match, he approached our position in an aggressive attitude, having to be restrained by his teammates."

Real face Celta Vigo on Sunday before once again renewing hostilities with Barcelona in La Liga on May 11.