Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been suspended for two games for “disrespect” to the referee who sent him off at Osasuna, but avoided a longer ban for swearing at the official.
Bellingham, 21, was sent off in the first half of Real Madrid‘s surprise 1-1 draw away to Osasuna on Saturday, having shouted ‘f*** off’ after gesticulating towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero. In his report, the La Liga official wrote that Bellingham had said ‘f*** you’ to him directly.
The England midfielder faced a potential ban of up to 12 matches under the Spanish FA’s regulations, but will be suspended for only two matches as well as facing a potential fine after the governing body deemed Bellingham demonstrated a “disrespectful/inconsiderate” attitude towards the referee.
The 21-year-old argued his case by saying: “I do not want to go into the details of what was said, but I didn’t insult the referee and I hope they review the footage because it was a misunderstanding, but I am here to apologise to the team anyways.”
Although two-game bans are the norm, Article 94 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Code says that a player could be banned for between four and 12 matches should they insult a referee.
Bellingham will instead miss Real’s upcoming clashes with Girona and Real Betis, although still he’ll be available to face Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“Taking into account the different factual circumstances invoked, it is appropriate to impose the sanction provided for in said precept in its minimum degree, of two games,” a statement read.
READ ALSO: Liverpool manager, Arne Slot banned for two matches
Madrid had initially asked for his red card to be overturned but the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee opted for a significantly shorter ban that what Bellingham could’ve faced.
The decision was upheld by the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee, but Madrid are set to appeal the Competition Committee’s decision.
Separately, the referee who sent off Bellingham has denounced what he calls a “false accusation” by local media that has led to him being temporarily sidelined by the Spanish FA.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, whose side capitalised on Real and Atletico Madrid both dropping points to move top of La Liga, was among the figures to criticise Bellingham’s behaviour, saying: “It’s not nice. It’s disrespect. For me, it’s like that.
“But I don’t have to decide. It’s not up to me to decide the situation. This is what I always say to my players. Why do you waste your energy to speak or discuss with the referee about a decision he made? There is a player, who is the captain, who has the right to argue with the referee. I don’t like the behaviour I saw. It’s a weakness when you get a red card.”
