Jude Bellingham could face 12-game suspension after red card

Jude Bellingham was sent off in Real Madrid’s draw against Osasuna in Pamplona, with referee José Luis Munuera Montero showing the Englishman a straight red card in the 39th minute amid widespread frustration from Real Madrid players over the match officials’ decisions.

The referee and the player had a conversation that ended with Bellingham’s sending-off, allegedly due to him using disrespectful or insulting language.

What did Bellingham say to the referee in Osasuna vs Real Madrid?

Pending the official report, the 21-year-old now faces a significant threat of suspension. According to Spanish broadcaster Movistar+, Bellingham reportedly said to Munuera Montero, “I’m talking to you with respect, fuck off.”

Jude Bellingham’s potential suspension for Osasuna red card

According to the Disciplinary Code of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), if Bellingham insulted Munuera Montero, he faces a potential suspension of four to 12 matches.

Article 94 states, “Insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes, unless it constitutes a more serious offense, will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches.”

If a four-match sanction is applied, Bellingham would miss LaLiga matches against Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad.

Bellingham could miss Copa del Rey final

If he was handed a maximum 12-game ban, he would also sit out league games versus Villarreal, Leganés, Valencia, Alavés, Athletic Club and Getafe, as well as the Copa del Rey semifinal second-leg against Real Sociedad, along with the final, provided Real Madrid get there.

If Bellingham’s offense is merely seen as “disrespect,” as suggested by Movistar+, the punishment would be less severe. Article 117 states, “Addressing referees, directors, or sports authorities in terms or with attitudes of disrespect or disregard, provided the action does not constitute a more serious offense, will be punished with a suspension of two to three matches or for a period of up to one month.”

Ancelotti and Bellingham blame referee for English misunderstanding

In his postgame press conference, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti took aim at the referee for “not understanding English,” claiming Bellingham had said “fuck off,” but not “fuck you,” which the referee had claimed in his match report.

The midfielder himself also put the red card down to a “communication error,” saying “It’s not an insult, it was an expression for myself”.

Article originally written in Spanish, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.