In a La Liga match that ended earlier, Real Madrid lost to Getafe 0-1 at home. In the 27th minute of the match, Real Madrid defender Rudiger maliciously kneed Getafe defender Diego Rico, who was lying on the ground, but such a malicious action did not even receive a yellow card, which aroused public outrage after the match.
The German media Bild published an article stating that Rudiger is not worthy of participating in the World Cup.
Bild wrote: "On the football field, there are always some scenes that are jaw-dropping - and in the case of 33-year-old player Rudiger, this kind of scene seems to be ."
"In the match between Real Madrid and Getafe, Rudiger kneed Getafe player Diego Rico, who was already lying on the ground. This is not even a malicious foul, it is simply malicious physical injury. Past incidents in the derby—throat-slitting gestures, throwing objects, and high-kicking taunts—once again prove that Rüdiger simply cannot control his own behavior. Such a player is not worthy of participating in the World Cup!"
"According to the head coach of German National Team, he will give priority to players who are stably starting in the club. Rudiger meets this point, and is even at the top of the list. But such a player who has done many evils and repeatedly violated basic sports rules is unacceptable. What's more, we have strong defenders like Tah and Schlotterbeck, we don't need him."
Bild organized a vote for fans, in which 78% of fans opposed Rudiger's participation in the World Cup, 20% of fans believed that Rudiger is strong and the World Cup only considers strength factors, and 2% of fans chose to wait and see.
Marca also organized the same vote, but removed the wait-and-see option. Similarly, 78% of fans opposed Rudiger's participation in the World Cup, and 22% of fans believed that qualification for National team and World shall only consider the player's strength rather than his personal behaviour.