Jude Bellingham, a Real Madrid midfielder, faces a possible 12-match ban following his X-rated outburst at the referee, which resulted in a red card against Osasuna on Saturday.
Referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero sent out the England star 39 minutes into Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna for foul and insulting language.
But Bellingham insisted that he was not disrespectful to the referee, who accused the young star of saying ‘F*** you’.
Jude Bellingham said that he said ‘f*** off’, but that these remarks were directed at himself in exasperation rather than the match official.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti added after the match: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said “f* off”, not “f* you”… that’s way different.”
It is unclear whether Madrid will file an appeal in the hopes of overturning Bellingham’s red card.
Otherwise, the 21-year-old could be forced to sit out 12 games while his teammates play.
According to the Spanish FA’s disciplinary Code, any player found guilty of ‘insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive phrases or attitudes’ will be suspended for four to twelve matches.
If the punishment is upheld, Bellingham will miss Madrid’s La Liga matches against Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
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