Jude Bellingham Slapped With Two-Match Ban After Red Card Against Valencia1 min read
La Liga has suspended Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham for two games for showing contempt towards the referee after receiving a red card after the final whistle in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Valencia. According to the referee’s report, the England international had a “aggressive attitude” when he protested referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s decision to blow the whistle after heading Brahim Diaz’s cross into the net in the ninth minute of added time for what would have been the winning goal.
Real Madrid currently lead the La Liga points table by seven points over second-placed Girona. Bellingham will miss the home game against Celta Vigo on Sunday, as well as the trip to Osasuna on March 16. With 16 goals in his first season at the club, the 20-year-old is La Liga’s top scorer. However, Bellingham will be able to play in Real’s Champions League last-16 clash against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) claimed Bellingham displayed “contempt or disregard” for Manzano while Real players and personnel encircled him. Bellingham, who was making his return after three weeks out with an ankle injury, was fined 600 euros (£513) and Real 700 euros (£598).
Real protested Bellingham’s red card, but the RFEF disciplinary committee disregarded their claim that the referee made an “error”. Manager Carlo Ancelotti said after the incident: “We were annoyed by Bellingham’s red card because he didn’t say anything insulting. It was frustration.”
He will be available to return to Athletic Bilbao on March 31, following the international break. England play a friendly against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26.
