Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is at risk of receiving a 12-match ban following his outburst towards the referee during the 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday, which led to him being shown a red card.
Bellingham was dismissed by referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero in the 39th minute for foul and abusive language. The referee accused the England international of saying: “F*** you,” but Bellingham insists he directed the phrase “f*** off” at himself in frustration, not at the official.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti also weighed in after the match, suggesting that the referee misinterpreted Bellingham’s words. “I think the referee didn’t understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said ‘f*** off,’ not ‘f*** you’… that’s quite different,” Ancelotti stated.
It remains unclear whether Real Madrid will appeal the decision in hopes of having the red card overturned. If not, the 21-year-old could face a lengthy suspension, potentially missing up to 12 matches.
According to the Spanish FA’s disciplinary code, any player guilty of “insulting, offending, or addressing the referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes” can be banned for between four and 12 matches.
If the ban is upheld, Bellingham will miss La Liga games against Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad.
