Jude Bellingham facing 'prolonged ban' that could completely influence Real Madrid's season
Jude Bellingham is facing a prolonged suspension following his straight red card in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Osasuna.
'Real Madrid' vs. 'Osasuna.'
Los Blancos are at the top of the La Liga table, one point ahead of cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, after the spoils were split at the Estadio El Sadar.
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Kylian Mbappe put the visitors ahead after 15 minutes, but Real was reduced to ten men when Bellingham was issued a straight red card for reportedly hurling rude and insulting comments at referee Jose Luis Munuera.
However, the hosts equalised just before the hour mark when Eduardo Camavinga pulled down Ante Budimir in the box, and the Osasuna player converted the penalty.
Immediately before being issued his marching orders, Bellingham appears to have said to referee Montero, 'I'm talking to you with respect. F**k off" before the umpire issued a straight red card.
After the game, the England international said that he was expressing his dissatisfaction with himself after a decision rather than insulting the referee.
He said: "It's difficult when a referee isn't sure, to determine that I've said something that I haven't, and as a result it kind of hinders the team.
"I think you can see clearly in the video... I remember the incident very well, it was an expression to myself.
"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.
"There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason I think you can see there was a misunderstanding."
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti clarified Bellingham swore, but the referee misread his language and the England player had no intention of offending the official.
He said: "I think with Bellingham's red card [the referee] didn't understand the English well. I don't think it's something offensive.
"I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous. Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing."
According to Spanish tabloid Marca, Bellingham might face a four-game suspension and possibly up to twelve games, which would have a significant influence on Real's season.
A crucial issue is that the referee's report believes Bellingham yelled 'F**k you' directly to him, despite the player replying 'F**k off' in a generic manner to himself.
The publication said: "On this occasion, and according to the official minutes of the match, we must wait to see what the sanction may be, since it will be crucial to know whether Jude's words are interpreted as an insult or as a sign of disregard.
"In the first case, if it is analyzed as an insult, the sanction would range from four to twelve games.
"These are the exact words of the regulations: 'Insulting, offending or using insulting terms or attitudes towards the main referee, assistants, fourth referee, directors or sports authorities, unless it constitutes a more serious offence, will be punished with a suspension of four to twelve games.'
"On the other hand, if the words are understood as a disregard, the sanction would be placed on both parties."
