The beautiful game, a tapestry woven with skill, passion, and unpredictable drama, has always been resistant to radical change. In today's time, the fast development of technology has brought about the biggest change in how football matches are officiated: the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Since its full introduction, VAR has been a constant source of debate, lauded for correcting "clear and obvious errors" but simultaneously lambasted for disrupting the game's flow and generating its own brand of controversy. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup looms on the horizon, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the custodians of the Laws of the Game, The upcoming changes are set to bring more major changes to VAR rules, trying to find a better balance between being accurate and keeping the real feel of football. These proposed changes are not mere tweaks; they are a direct response to years of scrutiny, fan frustration, and the desire to evolve the sport without irr...
Carlo Ancelotti's team led 2-1 with six minutes of normal time remaining before falling to a late Barcelona comeback. Ferran Torres forced extra time, and Jules Kounde won the championship with a low, skidding shot in the 116th minute, but three Real Madrid players were still sent off.
A night of high tension, fueled by rumors that Real Madrid might boycott the game entirely following referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea's tears in the pre-match press conference, erupted in the 122nd minute.
The scrutinized official, who had already awarded Barcelona a penalty that was reversed by VAR, blew for a foul on Kylian Mbappe, causing the Real Madrid bench to erupt. Vazquez raced onto the pitch in disgust, while Rudiger escalated his protests.
The German centre-back seemed to tear off the ice packs tied to his knees and throw them at the referee. Rudiger was soon sent off, but had to be restrained by a swarm of technical staff and fellow replacements to prevent committing a more serious offense.
Bellingham received his marching orders when the last whistle was blown. According to the referee's official report, the England international "approached our position in an aggressive manner, having to be restrained by his teammates".
Bellingham was also caught disputing multiple refereeing decisions during the game. At halftime, the 21-year-old lamented, "Everything goes to them." Everything that is split 50/50 goes to them. AS also reported that Bellingham swore at the assistant referee, saying, "Why? Why? That's crazy! F*** off!" Madrid's No. 5 has already earned a two-game suspension this season for using profane language.
Bellingham was also caught disputing multiple refereeing decisions during the game. At halftime, the 21-year-old lamented, "Everything goes to them." Everything that is split 50/50 goes to them. AS also reported that Bellingham swore at the assistant referee, saying, "Why? Why? That's crazy! F*** off!" Madrid's No. 5 has already earned a two-game suspension this season for using profane language.
According to the Spanish press, Bellingham and Vazquez may face bans as a result of their activities. However, because each suspension is expected to be less than four games, it will only apply to next season's Copa del Rey, ensuring that they will both be eligible for the rest of the league season.
Rudiger, on the other hand, has a much more uncertain future. The center-back was assessed by the referee as "displaying an aggressive attitude". According to Mundo Deportivo, Article 101 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) Disciplinary Code states that this might result in a four to twelve-game suspension. In that case, the suspension would apply to all domestic tournaments, knocking Rudiger out of the crucial league Clasico against Barcelona on May 11.
Rudiger was overcome with remorse after spending the night reflecting about his deeds. "There's absolutely no explanation for my actions last night. "I'm deeply sorry for that," the 32-year-old posted on social media.
Rudiger was overcome with remorse after spending the night reflecting about his deeds. "There's absolutely no explanation for my actions last night. "I'm deeply sorry for that," the 32-year-old posted on social media.
"We played an excellent game from the second half on. After 111 minutes, I was unable to assist my side, and before the final whistle, I made a mistake. I apologize again to the referee and everyone I disappointed last night."
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