Jude Bellingham’s third career red card could have him in very big trouble indeed, talkSPORT reports.
The England midfielder received his second Real Madrid sending off in a 1-1 LaLiga draw with Osasuna on Saturday night. Although exactly what happened is up for debate, and it could put him in a world of pain.
In the 39th minute of the match Bellingham was seen interacting with referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero, who then whipped out a red much to the shock of the midfielder and his teammates.
In the official’s match report, he explained the situation, writing that the punishment was: “For addressing me, just a few metres away, in the following terms: ‘F*** you’.”
Should the complaint be upheld, Bellingham’s ban could be an incredibly heavy one, as the Spanish Football Federation’s rules make clear.
As per AS, Article 94 of the Disciplinary Code of the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] states: “Insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes, unless it constitutes a more serious offence, will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches.”
However, if the insult is deemed an “attitude of contempt or disrespect without the act being more serious,” Bellingham could receive just two or three games.
Match broadcasters Movistar+ showed a zoomed in version of events, subtitling Bellingham’s words as: “I’m talking to you with respect,” before saying “F*** off,” when he saw Munuera Montero reaching for an initial yellow card.
Explaining the difference post-match, Bellingham told the media, in English: “It’s clear he made a mistake and there was a miscommunication.
“I remember the incident very well but also I’ve seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.
“I don’t want to go into the incident in too much detail but it’s more an expression like ‘Joder’ (f*** in Spanish) and it’s difficult when a referee isn’t sure to determine when I’ve said something that I haven’t and the result hinders the team.”
