Getty Images Sport'I didn't kill him!' - Antonio Rudiger defends himself against 'exaggerated' response to kneeing Getafe star's face in Real Madrid loss
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
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Getty Images SportClaims of exaggeration and intent
Despite the backlash, Rudiger believes the public discourse has shifted into the realm of hyperbole. He argued that his physical style of play is often misinterpreted by those watching from the sidelines. he added "I don't think you should exaggerate the contact. If I had the intention, he doesn't get up off the ground".
The former Chelsea man was adamant that he did not set out to injure his opponent, stating: "It was never my intention to hurt him. I like to be tough when I play but I have my limits that I don't cross, that's why I think the statements are a bit exaggerated but we shouldn't continue with this because everyone saw it".
Getty Images SportThe CTA's final verdict
Adding weight to the criticism, La Liga’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) eventually admitted that a mistake had been made. During their 'Review Time' program, the CTA admitted that both the on-field official and the VAR room failed to correctly identify what they deemed as violent conduct. They concluded that Rudiger should have been shown a straight red card for the action.
The CTA stated: “For the CTA, it is a matter of violent conduct, since the Real Madrid player throws himself with his knee against a rival lying on the ground, without the option of contesting the ball. As it was an incident not seen by the referee and constituting a clear and manifest error, the VAR should have recommended a review on the monitor to be sanctioned with a direct red card for violent conduct.” Despite this admission, the results of the match stand, and Rudiger remains available for Alvaro Arbeloa's side.
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