Jude Bellingham’s Two-Match Ban Upheld As Real Madrid Loses Appeal

Real Madrid has lost its appeal against the two-match suspension handed to Jude Bellingham for allegedly swearing at a referee during a La Liga clash with Osasuna on February 15.

Why Was Bellingham Banned?

The 21-year-old England midfielder received a straight red card after reportedly directing an expletive at referee Jose Munuera Montero during the 1-1 draw.

According to Montero’s match report, Bellingham said “f* you”**, leading the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to impose a two-match suspension for displaying “contemptuous or inconsiderate attitudes toward referees, officials, or sports authorities.”

Real Madrid’s Failed Appeal

After the game, Bellingham denied insulting the referee, claiming he had made an expression to himself rather than directing it at Montero.

During the appeal, Real Madrid argued that Bellingham had said “f* off”** instead of “f* you,”** attempting to demonstrate that the phrase was not necessarily offensive. However, the RFEF appeals committee dismissed the argument, stating that the exact wording was irrelevant as they could not confirm what was actually said.

Which Matches Will Bellingham Miss?

As a result, Bellingham will be absent from two crucial La Liga fixtures:
⚽ Real Madrid vs. Girona (Feb 25)
⚽ Real Betis vs. Real Madrid (Mar 2)

Additionally, he is already suspended for the Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Atletico Madrid, after picking up a third yellow card in Real Madrid’s victory over Manchester City.

RFEF Condemns Abuse of Referees

The RFEF recently condemned the “repulsive” abuse directed at Montero and his family on social media following the Bellingham incident.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid has escalated tensions with match officials, having sent a formal complaint to the Spanish FA and Spain’s High Council for Sports, accusing referees of being “biased, rigged, and discredited” after a 1-0 loss to Espanyol.

Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick Defends Referees

During a press conference, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick criticized Real Madrid’s ongoing disputes with referees, stating:

“The treatment of referees in Spain is unbelievable. We all make mistakes, but it’s our responsibility to protect them. Football cannot function without referees.”

RFEF Launches ‘Respect the Referee’ Campaign

In response to the controversy, the RFEF launched a campaign promoting respect for match officials. The slogan “Respect the referee, respect football” will be displayed during:
✔ Spain’s UEFA Women’s Nations League match vs. Belgium
✔ All La Liga and Segunda División matches this weekend