Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is facing a possible 12-match suspension following his red card in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna. The English star was dismissed in the 40th minute after allegedly directing abusive language towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
Bellingham, however, has denied the claims, and Real Madrid is expected to appeal the decision. If the referee’s report is upheld, the suspension could see Bellingham miss crucial La Liga and Champions League matches, significantly impacting Real Madrid’s season.
Bellingham’s Red Card Controversy
The incident occurred late in the first half, when Munuera Montero issued a straight red card to Bellingham. According to the official match report, the midfielder allegedly insulted the referee, saying: “F** you.”*
Munuera Montero’s report states:
“In the 40th minute, Bellingham was sent off for the following reason: For addressing me, while I was just a few meters away, in the following terms: ‘F** you.’”*
So Jude Bellingham got a red card for saying “I’m talking to you with respect, fuck off” pic.twitter.com/dWlXzilhIX
— Kay | Snapchat & IG Ads (@KayRMFC) February 15, 2025
Bellingham has denied the accusation, insisting that his words were misinterpreted. Real Madrid is expected to file an appeal, hoping to overturn or reduce the punishment.
La Liga’s Rules on Abusive Language Toward Officials
Spanish football has strict rules regarding insulting match officials. According to La Liga regulations:
“Insulting, offending, or using insulting terms or attitudes towards the main referee, assistants, fourth referee, directors, or sports authorities, unless it constitutes a more serious offense, will be punished with a suspension of four to twelve matches.”
If the disciplinary committee deems Bellingham’s words as aggressive or disrespectful, he could face the maximum penalty of a 12-match ban. However, if Real Madrid successfully appeals, the suspension could be reduced to four matches or dismissed altogether.
Impact on Real Madrid’s Season
A lengthy suspension for Bellingham would be a massive setback for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, which is currently competing for the La Liga title and aiming for Champions League success.
If he receives the maximum 12-match ban, Bellingham could miss crucial fixtures, including title-deciding matches against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla. Depending on how the ban is structured, he may also be unavailable for key Champions League games.
Real Madrid’s Plan to Appeal
Real Madrid is expected to appeal the decision in an attempt to reduce or overturn the suspension. The club will likely argue that:
- There is no clear video or audio evidence supporting the referee’s claim.
- Bellingham’s denial should be taken into consideration.
- The punishment is too harsh, given the circumstances.
Madrid’s legal team will push for a lighter punishment, and if successful, Bellingham may only miss a few matches instead of a long-term suspension.
Support from Teammates and Fans
Following the match, several Real Madrid players defended Bellingham, insisting that the red card was harsh and that the referee misjudged the situation. Some Madrid players expressed frustration over what they perceived as an overreaction.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans have taken to social media to support Bellingham, criticizing Munuera Montero’s handling of the match. Many believe a 12-match ban would be excessive and unfair.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Response
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remained calm but hinted that the club would challenge the decision. After the match, Ancelotti said:
“We will analyze the situation carefully. Jude is a professional, and he has denied saying those words. We will see what steps we can take moving forward.”
Ancelotti also emphasized that Bellingham is an essential player for Madrid, and the club will do everything possible to defend him.
La Liga’s Decision Timeline
The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee will review the incident in the coming days. A final verdict is expected within a week, which will determine the length of Bellingham’s suspension.
If the ban is upheld, Real Madrid will have a limited window to file an appeal before Bellingham begins serving his suspension.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
While waiting for La Liga’s final decision, Real Madrid must prepare for upcoming matches without certainty about his availability. If he is suspended, other midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, and Federico Valverde will need to step up.
With Real Madrid battling for the La Liga title and competing in the Champions League, the club will hope for a favorable outcome in the appeal process to avoid losing one of their most important players for an extended period.
READ NEXT:
