Jude Bellingham Faces Possible 12-Match Ban Over Alleged Referee Insult
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham could face a lengthy suspension after receiving a red card for alleged abusive language directed at referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero during Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday.
The 21-year-old England international was dismissed in the 39th minute after reportedly telling the match official, “F* you”—a claim Bellingham has denied.
According to the midfielder, his words were misinterpreted, as he had actually said “F off”* in frustration, but directed at himself rather than the referee.
Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, defended his player, suggesting the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding.
“I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said ‘F* off,’ not ‘F*** you’… that’s way different,”** Ancelotti stated after the match.
Under the Spanish FA’s disciplinary code, any player found guilty of insulting or offending match officials can face a suspension ranging from four to twelve matches.
If the maximum penalty is enforced, Bellingham would be sidelined for key La Liga clashes against Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the first leg of Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final.