Real Madrid set to appeal against Jude Bellingham's two-match ban

The midfielder earlier feared facing a 12-match ban.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham who was sent off against Osasuna on Saturday has been suspended for two games.

The 21-year-old Real Madrid player was sent off for a comment he made to referee Manuel Munuera. If it had been determined that he was criticizing the official directly, he might have faced a 12-game suspension.

“In the 40th minute, Bellingham was sent off for the following reason: For addressing me, being just a few meters away, in the following terms: “F*** you,” Munuera stated in his post-match report.

Bellingham denied the allegation stating: “It’s obvious that there was a misunderstanding and that it was an error. Although I have a vivid memory of the incident, I have also watched the video, and it differs from the narrative.”

I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like an expression like ‘f***’.

“I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”

BREAKING: Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham banned for two La Liga matches against Girona and Real Betis following his red card for dissent against Osasuna 🚨 pic.twitter.com/vL1qucT3yU

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 19, 2025

In accordance with competition regulations, Bellingham would have been suspended for four to twelve games if Munuera’s account of events had been accepted as accurate.

However, the midfield player will now be suspended for games against Girona at home and Real Betis away as a result of the Spanish FA’s decision.

“Based on the images and expert opinion sent by Real Madrid, it has NOT been able to prove that he says “Fck Off” instead of “Fck You.” The ref’s report is presumed to be true and the appeal fails”, as mentioned in Committee reports. The two-match punishment will now be appealed by Real Madrid’s management.

When Bellingham was sent out, the Spanish powerhouses had already taken a 1-0 lead because of Kylian Mbappe‘s goal in the 15th minute. After Ante Budimir’s penalty in the 58th minute, they fought to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The midfielder avoided heavy punishment despite seemingly cursing at an official on that particular occasion. During an interview on the Spanish television program El Partizado on Tuesday night, Munuera described the assault he had endured.

He stated: “Today it was my turn, but how long has the committee been suffering these attacks? They are vilifying my nephews, they are attacking my nine brothers, my 80-year-old father went to mass today and… I better keep quiet.

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