UEFA has suspended Spanish referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero from officiating in European competitions following his controversial decision to send off Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham during a La Liga match against Osasuna.
The European football governing body took the action after La Liga also removed Montero from the referee roster for the upcoming matchweek. Reports indicate that UEFA’s suspension will prevent him from officiating in major tournaments like the Champions League and Europa League until further notice.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the decision, stating, “UEFA has suspended Munuera Montero from European competitions. He will no longer officiate in Champions League or Europa League matches for now.”
Montero’s red card decision against Bellingham drew widespread criticism, with many questioning whether the midfielder’s reaction warranted a dismissal. The incident has fueled debates over refereeing standards in Spain, especially in high-profile matches involving top clubs.
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Following the controversial match, Relevo, a Spanish sports news outlet, reported that La Liga had excluded Montero from the upcoming matchweek’s referee assignments. UEFA’s subsequent decision suggests that concerns over his officiating extend beyond Spain’s domestic league.
This is not the first time Montero has faced scrutiny. He has been at the center of several contentious refereeing calls in recent weeks, leading to increased pressure from clubs and football authorities.
UEFA’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining fairness in European football. The organization has repeatedly emphasized that referees must uphold the highest standards to ensure the integrity of competitions.
For now, Montero remains sidelined from international duties, while La Liga’s decision on his future in domestic matches remains uncertain.