In a dramatic twist during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna, English midfield sensation Jude Bellingham received a shocking red card in the 39th minute.
The referee, José Luis Munuera Montero, claimed Bellingham directed an explicit insult towards him, leading to the immediate dismissal. However, Bellingham contends it was a linguistic mix-up, asserting he exclaimed “f*** off” out of frustration, not “f*** you” at the referee.
This distinction is crucial, as under the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary code, direct insults can result in a suspension ranging from four to twelve matches.
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, backed his player, suggesting the incident stemmed from a miscommunication. The club plans to appeal the decision, aiming to reduce any potential ban. If the suspension is upheld, Bellingham could miss important matches, significantly impacting on Real Madrid’s season.
