Real Madrid’s star midfielder, Jude Bellingham, is at risk of a lengthy suspension following his red card during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
The 21-year-old England international faces a potential 12-match ban after being sent off for foul and abusive language directed at the referee.
The incident occurred in the 39th minute of the match, with referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero accusing Bellingham of saying “F* you” during a moment of frustration.
According to the official’s report, the young star’s words were aimed at him. However, Bellingham maintains that he said “f* off” in frustration with himself, not the referee, and that his words were not directed in an offensive manner at the official.
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, weighed in on the situation after the game, suggesting a misunderstanding due to language differences.
“I think the referee did not understand Jude’s English,” Ancelotti said.
“He said ‘f* off,’ not ‘f* you’… that’s a big difference.” Ancelotti’s comments were aimed at clearing up any misinterpretation surrounding the incident.
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With Bellingham’s fate hanging in the balance, Real Madrid is considering whether to appeal the red card in the hopes of having the decision overturned.
If the red card stands, however, the young star could face a significant suspension, as the Spanish FA’s disciplinary code states that players guilty of insulting or addressing officials in an offensive manner could be banned for up to 12 matches.
Should the suspension be imposed, Bellingham would miss crucial La Liga fixtures against Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the first leg of Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Real Sociedad.
