Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder, has been suspended for two LaLiga matches by the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee following a red card he received for dissent, Al Jazeera reports.
The incident occurred during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday, with referee Jose Munuera Montero dismissing the England international. Bellingham has stated he was expressing frustration, not directing insults toward the referee. As a result of the suspension, Bellingham will be unavailable for the upcoming league games against Girona on February 23 and Real Betis on March 2.
The disciplinary committee rejected Real Madrid’s defense, stating their evidence was not enough to overcome the referee’s report.
The club intends to appeal the ban, according to a Real Madrid source speaking to AFP news agency.
The referee, Munuera Montero, has been subjected to online abuse and threats following the incident, actions the federation has condemned.
This suspension comes amid rising tension between Real Madrid and Spanish refereeing, with the club recently publishing a letter on its website alleging the system is “rigged.”
Real Madrid’s recent form has seen them fail to win in their last three league matches, allowing rivals Barcelona to overtake them at the top of the table on goal difference.
