An incident involving Diego Rico and Antonio Rudiger became one of the most talked-about moments during the Real Madrid versus Getafe match. The German defender, while challenging for the ball, delivered a knee to the face of the visiting full-back, who was already on the ground complaining about a push from Arda Guler.

Speaking to 'COPE' after the game, Rico slammed the refereeing decision, stating: "If it had caught me badly, it could have left me right there on the pitch. If the roles were reversed, I would have received a 10-match ban, or I wouldn't have played all season."

"I don't know what VAR is for. I believe it's for situations like this, an aggression. He knew full well he was going to hit me deliberately because, in the previous play, we had a spat where a foul was called, and he was saying things on his way back to defence. Then, on the very next play, the ball came to me, and you can see how he even almost pushed his teammate aside just to smash my face," he added, explaining his frustration.

Diego Rico clarified he was referring to Arda Guler, who was pressing the Getafe player alongside Rudiger. The Madrid defender caught Rico on the cheekbone with his knee before stepping on his shoulder and landing his shin on the face of the '22'. The referee failed to award a foul and, consequently, did not book the centre-back despite vehement protests from the 'Azulones' players and coaching staff.

Diego Rico

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