Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been suspended for two La Liga matches following his red card in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna. The England international was dismissed for foul and abusive language towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disciplinary committee ruled that Bellingham should be punished for his “disrespectful or inconsiderate attitudes towards referees.” As a result, he will miss Real Madrid’s upcoming league matches against Girona and Real Betis.
Bellingham has claimed that his language was misconstrued by the referee and that he had no intention of insulting him. Real Madrid have also announced their intention to appeal the suspension.
Bellingham’s absence will be a blow to Real Madrid, who are currently winless in their last three league matches. They are now level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, but trail on goal difference.
Despite the La Liga ban, Bellingham will be available for Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday. He will also be eligible to play in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad next week.
This incident has further fueled tensions between Real Madrid and the RFEF, with the club recently accusing La Liga referees of making “rigged decisions.” The RFEF has condemned the online abuse and threats directed at referee Montero since the match, highlighting the ongoing issue of respect for officials in Spanish football.
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