Arsenal’s historic night at the Santiago Bernabéu, which saw them secure a spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in over ten years, has been clouded by a disturbing post-match revelation from Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger.
In a shocking admission following the match, Rudiger confessed that his controversial stamp on Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly was no accident.
Speaking to the media with unsettling candor, the German international expressed his anger over a supposed incident in the tunnel before kickoff.
“I deliberately wanted to end his career yesterday for the foul language he used toward me,” Rudiger said, clearly still enraged.
“A disrespectful kid like that doesn’t deserve to be on the pitch.”
The clash occurred during the second half of Arsenal’s 2-1 win in Madrid, a result that completed a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory.
Cameras captured Lewis-Skelly writhing in pain after Rudiger stamped on his torso, an act that immediately drew outrage from Arsenal supporters and analysts alike.
Video replays confirmed that Rudiger’s boot made direct contact with the 18-year-old’s midsection, with his studs dragging across the young midfielder in what appeared to be a premeditated move.
Despite the severity of the incident, French referee François Letexier took no action, and VAR declined to get involved.
Live on TNT Sports, commentator Darren Fletcher reacted with disbelief: “No foul given for that challenge on Lewis-Skelly.
Rudiger clearly trod on him — that’s what’s causing the pain.”
The reaction from Arsenal fans was swift and fierce.
Social media erupted with anger, with many questioning how Rudiger remained on the pitch while Lewis-Skelly needed medical attention.
While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained composed in his post-match comments, praising his team’s maturity and focus, sources suggest the club is preparing to file an official complaint to UEFA over Rudiger’s conduct.
Rudiger’s explosive claim — that Lewis-Skelly insulted him before the match — remains unverified.
Those within the Arsenal camp have rejected the allegation, pointing out that Lewis-Skelly has a reputation for being respectful both on and off the field.
The match itself was packed with drama. Arsenal, already up 3-0 from the first leg, nearly put the tie beyond doubt early when Bukayo Saka won a penalty in the 13th minute.
However, his weak Panenka was easily caught by Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid then believed they had earned a penalty near halftime, only for VAR to overturn the call.
Saka made up for his earlier miss in the 65th minute with a delicate chip over Courtois, putting Arsenal firmly in control.
Though Vinicius Jr. responded with a goal moments later, Madrid never seriously threatened to overturn the aggregate deficit.
Gabriel Martinelli sealed the deal in stoppage time, ensuring Arsenal’s spot in the last four, where they’ll face PSG, who edged Aston Villa in their own quarter-final.
Despite Arsenal’s monumental achievement, Rudiger’s actions and subsequent comments dominated the headlines.
His justification has drawn widespread condemnation.
Former England international Rio Ferdinand summed it up during post-match analysis: “It doesn’t matter what was said — you don’t intentionally try to injure someone. That attitude doesn’t belong in football.”
With calls for UEFA to step in and fans launching online petitions demanding punishment, the controversy shows no signs of fading.
For Lewis-Skelly, the painful moment may become a stepping stone in his career — a harsh introduction to the demands and dangers of elite football.
But with the support of teammates and fans behind him, he’s likely to come back stronger.
Meanwhile, Rudiger’s attempt to explain his behavior has only escalated the backlash.
In a competition where moments are remembered for decades, this one may haunt him long after the final whistle.
