- Jude Bellingham banned for 2 La Liga matches for abusive language
- Real Madrid to appeal against Bellingham's suspension
- Bellingham to miss Girona and Real Betis La Liga fixtures
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s star midfielder, has been handed a two-match suspension in La Liga following his red card during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna.
The 21-year-old was dismissed in the 39th minute of the match for using foul and abusive language towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) condemned the “repulsive” abuse that Montero has received in the aftermath of the incident.
The RFEF disciplinary committee, which met on Wednesday, determined that Bellingham’s actions displayed “attitudes of contempt or lack of consideration towards referees.” As a result, the England international will miss Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga fixtures against Girona and Real Betis.
Bellingham, who joined the Spanish giants from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, has denied any intention to insult the referee. He claimed that his language had been misconstrued by Montero. “There was no intent to insult him,” Bellingham stated following the decision.
Real Madrid has confirmed it will appeal the suspension. While serving his La Liga ban, Bellingham will still be eligible to participate in other competitions, including the second leg of their Champions League knockout phase against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Bellingham will also be available for Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad, scheduled for March 5. He will return to league action on March 9 against Rayo Vallecano.
Real Madrid, the defending La Liga champions, are currently struggling with a winless run in their last three league matches. They are level on points with rivals Barcelona, but sit in second place due to an inferior goal difference.
