Football: Matthäus to Rüdiger-Ausstraster: Nagelsmann has to react

National player Lothar Matthäus has called for consequences for Antonio Rüdiger in the DFB selection after his freak out in the Spanish cup final. National coach Julian Nagelsmann must react. “That is also his job,” said the 64-year-old on the program “Sky90”.

The German Football Association – in the Nagelsmann case – cannot only have a conversation with Rüdiger now “and then turn the matter under the carpet”. Matthew emphasized that a sign must also be made to the outside world. The DFB selection will meet Portugal on June 4 in the semi-finals of the Nations League in Munich. On June 8th, the final or in the game for third place against France or Spain.

Rüdiger had reported on social networks in the morning after the game and showed remorse. “There is no excuse for my behavior last night. I’m very sorry,” wrote the 32-year-old.

Rüdiger had insulted the referee Wüst shortly before the extension of the final against FC Barcelona (2: 3) and thrown at an object. Apparently it was an ice cube. The defender, which had already been replaced a few minutes earlier, saw the red card for this. Matthäus expects a long lock for Rüdiger. “He was of his senses. He was no longer under control.”

Ex-international Dietmar Hamann had also demanded sanctions against Rüdiger in front of Matthew. “I think that the DFB should suspend it. I would not invite him to the Nations League end tournament and would leave him out for the two games,” Hamann said in the Sport1 “double pass” and, like later, Matthäus pointed out that Rüdiger had not become noticeable for the first time.

Already a punishment after a freak out on probation

Because of a head-to-head gesture in the round of 16 of the Champions League against Atlético Madrid, he was only punished by UEFA at the beginning of the month. In addition to a lock of a game – exposed to probation for one year – he had to pay a fine of 40,000 euros.

Matthew now recommended that Rüdiger invite the games in the Nations League. “But I would set an example and that can only be in the end that somehow you don’t let him play as you may have planned before this action (…).”

Rüdiger’s employer Real Madrid is also in demand, said coaching veteran Friedhelm Funkel at Sky. “You also have to punish him. There is no way around it.” Former FIFA referee Thorsten Kinhöfer is also convinced that the behavior must have consequences. “Rüdiger’s appearance is a shame. The national coach has to consider whether such a man can still represent our country,” said the 56-year-old of the “picture”.