Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been banned for two matches for verbally abusing referee Jose Munuera Montero in the wake of Los Blancos’ 1-1 LaLiga draw with Osasuna on Saturday.
Montero took offense to his comments in the first half and the England international was sent off moments before the break. Both Bellingham and Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed it was a misunderstanding, but the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) upheld the referee’s decision, citing the need to tackle “attitudes of contempt or lack of consideration towards referees.”
The ban, which would see Bellingham miss crucial LaLiga clashes with Girona and Real Betis, has been confirmed to be appealed by Madrid. The suspension, however, does not apply to UEFA competitions, which means the 21-year-old will be available for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Manchester City next Wednesday.
The controversy adds to Madrid’s tensions with the RFEF and LaLiga. In a formal complaint about refereeing, the club recently accused the league of “rigged decisions,” further souring relations.
Meanwhile, the RFEF condemned the abuse directed at Montero since Bellingham’s red card and said the referees are “sickened” by the backlash. Now Madrid will turn its attentions to overturning the ban as they continue their pursuit of the LaLiga title.