Antonio Rudiger slammed by German FA over Copa del Rey final outburst | OneFootball

Officials from the German Football Association (DFB) have warned Antonio Rudiger that his behaviour in Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona was "not acceptable".

Amid the backdrop of a fresh attack on the match officials from Madrid before the game, Rudiger found himself in hot water after a display of apoplectic rage towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in stoppage time of extra time.

Left unimpressed by an on-field decision, Rudiger leapt off the bench and appeared to throw an object at the official - potentially ice packs which had been strapped to his knees - and needed physically restraining after being shown a red card.

La Liga rules state Rudiger could be facing a ban of as many as 12 games and the DFB have also moved to remind Madrid's centre-back of his responsibilities as a representative of the German national team.

"Toni is a first-class player – but as a national player, he must also demonstrate class in his behaviour," sporting director Rudi Voller told SID. "He rightly demands respect for himself, and he must also show this respect to others without exception.

Rudiger needed restraining on the sidelines / Anadolu/GettyImages

"[Rudiger is] an outstanding footballer and a very emotional guy, a fighter on the pitch, but in this case, he and some of his teammates allowed themselves to be too caught up in the extremely heated atmosphere before the game, which inexplicably has often prevailed around the club.

"That's not acceptable. Especially not as a German international.

"Toni contacted Julian [Nagelsmann, manager] and me yesterday, and we talked at length about the situation. With him directly, but also internally with [president] Bernd Neuendorf and [managing director] Andreas Rettig."

Rudiger, Germany's vice-captain, has already apologised on social media and is not expected to face any further punishment from the DFB. Spanish authorities, however, continue to draw up their response.