Real Madrid’s star midfielder Jude Bellingham has been handed a two-match ban by the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee following his red card for dissent in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
Bellingham, 21, was sent off by referee Jose Munuera Montero after reacting angrily to a decision late in the game. The England international insisted he had not insulted the official but was merely expressing frustration.
“I think you can see clearly in the video. I remember the incident very well—it was an expression I was saying to myself,” Bellingham said. “I’m not even directing myself towards the referee, but obviously, there was a misunderstanding. He believed that I said something to him.”
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Despite Madrid’s appeal, the disciplinary committee upheld the decision, stating that the club’s argument was “insufficient” to overturn “the presumption of veracity of the referee’s report.”
As a result, Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga matches against Girona on February 23 and Real Betis on March 2.
Madrid, however, is not backing down. A club source told AFP that the team will challenge the suspension, hoping to reinstate their key player.
The incident has sparked controversy beyond the pitch, with referee Munuera Montero facing online abuse and threats after the match. The Spanish football federation strongly condemned the attacks, calling them “repulsive.”
Bellingham’s suspension comes at a crucial moment for Real Madrid, who have not won in their last three league games. The club has recently been vocal about what it sees as unfair officiating, even going as far as to label Spanish refereeing as “rigged” in a letter sent to the federation.
With Barcelona now leading La Liga on goal difference, Madrid will have to fight to regain their top spot—without one of their most influential players.