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Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been slapped with a two-match ban by La Liga authorities after his contentious red card during the 2-2 draw against Valencia. The 20-year-old England international was sent off following a dramatic late finish at the Mestalla Stadium.
Bellingham believed he had secured victory for Real Madrid with a stoppage-time goal, only for the referee, Gil Manzano, to end the game as the cross was delivered. This decision led to an uproar, with Bellingham and his teammates surrounding the referee.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) found Bellingham guilty of displaying “contempt or disregard” towards the referee during the heated exchange. Despite Real Madrid’s appeal, arguing that the referee had made an error, the RFEF upheld the decision, resulting in a two-match ban for Bellingham.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his frustration over the incident, emphasizing that Bellingham’s actions stemmed from frustration rather than any deliberate misconduct. Real Madrid’s appeal was accompanied by fines totaling 700 euros for the club and 600 euros for Bellingham himself.
Despite the ban, Bellingham will be available for Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig. However, he will miss La Liga encounters against Celta Vigo and Osasuna. Bellingham’s absence will be keenly felt by Real Madrid, given his status as the team’s leading scorer this season with 16 league goals.
The ban will also impact Bellingham’s availability for England’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, scheduled for March 23 and March 26, respectively. Nevertheless, Bellingham is expected to return to action for Real Madrid’s clash against Athletic Bilbao on March 31, following the international break.
