Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is looking at a possible 12-game suspension for swearing at the referee, even though he apologized to his teammates.
This happened on Saturday, February 15, during a match against Osasuna that ended in a 1-1 draw.
The English midfielder was shown a red card by referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero for using inappropriate language.
The red card stemmed from an argument Bellingham had with Osasuna forward Ruben Garcia after he made contact with Garcia from behind without touching the ball.
This incident marked Bellingham’s second career red card; his first occurred in April 2021 when he was with Borussia Dortmund.
Real Madrid argued that the referee, Jose, was too harsh, claiming Bellingham’s words were not offensive.
Nevertheless, the Spanish Federation supported the referee’s decision.
According to a report from dailymail.co.uk, Bellingham denied insulting the referee, stating that he actually said “f*** off.”
Bellingham, who is 26 years old, insisted he wasn’t being abusive toward the referee, who sent him off for using foul language.
He clarified that the phrase “f*** off” was a self-directed expression of frustration, not aimed at the referee.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti added after the match: ‘I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said “f*** off”, not “f*** you”… that’s way different.’
Should the ban reach the full 12 matches, Jude Bellingham will miss most of the remaining season.
The Spanish FA’s disciplinary Code tells that any player guilty of ‘insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes’ will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches.
It’s uncertain if Madrid will try to overturn Bellingham’s red card.
If they don’t, the 21-year-old could miss 12 games while watching his teammates play.
If banned, Bellingham will be absent from Madrid’s La Liga matches against Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the opening leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad.
SOURCE:DKlassGh.net