Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been suspended by six matches by the Spanish FA for his behaviour in the Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona.

Rudiger was sent off during Saturday's final, which was won 3-2 by Barcelona after extra time, alongside Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham.

The defender was shown a red for his reaction to a foul given against Kylian Mbappe soon after Jules Kounde had scored the winner in stoppage time.

Rudiger later apologised for his behaviour, while Vazquez received a two-match ban and Bellingham, who received a red card after the final whistle for protesting to the referee, avoided a suspension.

Rudiger's ban comes on the same day that the German underwent knee surgery to fix an ongoing injury.

"Our player Antonio Rudiger underwent successful surgery today for a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left leg," Real said in a statement. "Ruediger will begin recovery work shortly."

Having played in pain for seven months, Rudiger said on his X page that he was keen to play in the upcoming big tournaments.

"I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me," he posted on X.

"But I have to look from week to week now and we will see. I will do everything I can to make it happen."

Next up for Real Madrid is a home game against Celta Vigo on Sunday, while they trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by four points with five matches remaining.