Bellingham banned for two matches after red card

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was handed a two-match La Liga suspension on Wednesday by the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee following his red card for dissent. 

The England international was sent off during the champions’ 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday by referee Jose Munuera Montero. 

Bellingham, who maintained that he was expressing frustration rather than insulting the referee, will now miss league fixtures against Girona on February 23 and Real Betis on March 2.

The disciplinary committee said Madrid’s attempts to show that Bellingham had not insulted the official were “insufficient” to remove “the presumption of veracity of the referee’s report”.

Bellingham stated that his red card resulted from a misunderstanding.

“I think you can see clearly in the video, I remember the incident very well, it was an expression (I was saying) to myself,” said the 21-year-old.

“I’m not even directing myself towards the referee but obviously there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed that I’ve said (something insulting) to him.”

A Real Madrid source told AFP that the club plans to appeal the decision. 

Meanwhile, referee Munuera Montero has been subjected to online abuse and threats since Bellingham’s dismissal, which the federation condemned as “repulsive.” 

Real Madrid have been vocal in their criticism of Spanish officiating in recent weeks, labeling it “rigged” in a letter sent to the federation and published on their website. 

Los Blancos are winless in their last three league matches, allowing rivals Barcelona to take the top spot on goal difference.