Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been handed a two-game suspension following his red card in Saturday’s La Liga clash against Osasuna. The England international, who claims his words were misinterpreted, will now miss crucial league encounters against Girona and Real Betis as Madrid continues its battle with Barcelona for the title.
Bellingham was dismissed in the 39th minute of the 1-1 draw, with referee Jose Luis Munuera citing offensive language as the reason for the red card. According to the match report, the 21-year-old was sent off for allegedly saying “f** you”* to the official. However, Bellingham, along with Madrid and head coach Carlo Ancelotti, has strongly disputed this version of events, insisting that a misunderstanding led to the decision.
Madrid has since launched an appeal against the suspension, but the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee upheld the initial ruling, stating that Bellingham displayed “attitudes of contempt or lack of consideration towards referees.” The controversy surrounding the decision has only added to growing frustrations within the Madrid camp regarding officiating in La Liga this season.
Bellingham Insists His Words Were Misinterpreted
Following the match, Bellingham spoke to the media to clarify his stance, maintaining that he did not direct offensive language at the referee in the way the report suggested.
“It’s clear that he made a mistake and there was a miscommunication,” Bellingham explained. “I remember the incident very well, but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.”
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti also jumped to the defense of his player, emphasizing that the Englishman’s words were not meant as an insult to the referee.
“I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English,” Ancelotti stated. “He said ‘f** off,’ not ‘f*** you’… that’s way different.”*
Despite Madrid’s protests, the suspension will stand, meaning Bellingham will have to sit out two important league games. However, he remains eligible to play in the UEFA Champions League and will be available for Real Madrid’s second-leg knockout round clash against Manchester City. The midfielder was instrumental in the first leg, scoring a dramatic late winner in Madrid’s 3-2 comeback victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid Frustrated Over Officiating Decisions
The controversy surrounding Bellingham’s red card is just one of several officiating decisions that have left Real Madrid feeling aggrieved in recent weeks. The club and its supporters have been vocal about what they perceive as inconsistent refereeing, particularly regarding VAR decisions that have gone against them.
Bellingham himself expressed his frustration over recent officiating trends, hinting that Madrid has been treated unfairly.
“In our last three games, things have happened that everybody has seen,” he stated. “But I don’t want to say anything more about that, because I want to be sat on the bench for the next match.”
The midfielder also pointed out what he believes to be an imbalance in how VAR decisions have been applied.
“In the last three games, the VAR has looked at things in our penalty area, and not in the other box,” he continued. “There were two or three things he should have looked at, and didn’t. I think there’s a problem. In the last three games, something has happened that shouldn’t have happened. We have to keep fighting, playing well, and that’s what we’ll try to do.”
Madrid fans have been vocal in their criticism of refereeing decisions, and tensions between the club and Spanish football authorities have escalated.
Federico Valverde Caught in Refereeing Debate
Bellingham is not the only Madrid player caught in the ongoing controversy surrounding La Liga officiating. Midfielder Federico Valverde also found himself in the middle of the debate after refusing to criticize referees ahead of Madrid’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Manchester City.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Valverde was asked about recent refereeing decisions and responded cautiously.
“I’m not the one to judge the referee. We are all human and we can make mistakes,” Valverde initially said. “Referees are also criticized a lot and when they do things well, they are not flattered either. The only thing I can do is be at the disposal of the team and make the team think about me as a captain, to work to give the best to this club and for the team to win titles at the end of the season.”
However, his neutral stance was met with outrage from the Madrid fanbase, many of whom expected stronger words condemning the officiating in La Liga. The backlash prompted Valverde to issue a follow-up statement on social media to clarify his position.
“I don’t want anyone to misunderstand me, but above all I want to clarify for our fans: if today I don’t talk about the refereeing we are suffering, it is because I KNOW MYSELF, and I must focus on tomorrow,” Valverde wrote.
“Everyone has seen what is happening to us in this league, and I don’t forget it, but now we have to focus on tomorrow, and I will be 100% as I have always been.”
Madrid’s Battle for the La Liga Title Continues
With tensions high over refereeing decisions and key players like Bellingham sidelined due to suspension, Real Madrid faces a difficult road ahead in their title fight against Barcelona. Losing Bellingham for two crucial La Liga games is a setback, but Madrid will need to stay focused as they navigate both domestic and European challenges.
Ancelotti’s men will look to continue their momentum in the Champions League, where Bellingham will be available for selection, as they attempt to secure a place in the quarterfinals by eliminating Manchester City. Meanwhile, in La Liga, Madrid must find a way to cope without their influential midfielder in their upcoming fixtures against Girona and Real Betis.
As the season enters its decisive phase, Madrid must not only battle their on-field opponents but also contend with the growing tension surrounding officiating in Spanish football. Whether the club’s appeal for Bellingham’s suspension will be successful remains to be seen, but for now, the focus remains on performing despite the setbacks.
