Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger delivered a violent and deliberate knee to the face of Getafe player Diego Rico while the latter was on the ground. The international player was not even cautioned.

A blatant act of aggression, yet no punishment. Antonio Rüdiger inexplicably escaped a red card for a vicious, reckless, and dangerous foul during Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat to Getafe on Monday in the 26th round of La Liga. The incident occurred in the 26th minute when the score was still 0-0. After a challenge between Arda Güler and Diego Rico, the latter went down appealing for a foul. Having watched this as a spectator, Rüdiger rushed at the opposing player, delivering a knee to the lower face before dragging his leg to the ground.

"I'm not going to comment on that action, but everyone saw it."

The incident went unnoticed by referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz and also by VAR, which failed to call for a red card, despite it seeming like a clear-cut chance. After the match, Getafe coach José Bardalas preferred not to dwell on this baffling lack of punishment. "I'm not going to comment on that incident, but everyone saw it," he said. "Now we just have to enjoy it. It's been a tough season, and this should give us confidence. The stakes are high, and this victory gives us energy and confidence."

Rüdiger, known for his outbursts and rough tackles, finished the match without being troubled or booked. Real Madrid nevertheless ended the game with ten men after Franco Mastantuono was sent off in stoppage time for vehemently criticizing a refereeing decision.

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa even criticized the officiating team's performance, without ever mentioning Rüdiger's foul. "The referee let the game drag on, with too many stoppages and fouls. I don't blame them, because they're doing what the referee allows," the manager said. Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, who received yellow cards, will be suspended for the next match against Celta Vigo. "These things shouldn't happen," Arbeloa lamented. "I understand that Mastantuono was sent off for a reason. And I understand that Huijsen and Carreras weren't trying to get their yellow cards."