Real Madrid's attempt to overturn Jude Bellingham's two-match suspension has been rejected by the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) appeals committee. The decision comes after Bellingham was issued a straight red card during a heated encounter against Osasuna on February 15. The English midfielder was penalized for allegedly swearing at the referee, which resulted in him receiving the ban. As a consequence, Bellingham will miss crucial upcoming matches, including a league match against Girona and a critical Champions League fixture.
The appeals committee stated that Real Madrid's efforts to demonstrate the absence of an insulting or offensive nature in Bellingham's alleged remark were "not relevant." The club had argued that Bellingham exclaimed "f*** off" rather than the more offensive "f*** you." However, an expert report contradicted this claim, asserting that Bellingham indeed said "f*** you." Furthermore, the video evidence presented by Real Madrid failed to provide a definitive counter to the expert report's conclusions.
Bellingham was sent off during the first half of Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Osasuna, with the referee attributing the dismissal to contemptuous behavior. The RFEF justified the suspension by citing attitudes deemed disrespectful towards referees and officials. Despite Bellingham's assertion that he had not directed any insult at the referee, claiming instead he made "an expression to myself," the committee upheld the original decision.
The repercussions of the suspension are significant for Real Madrid. Besides missing Sunday's La Liga match against Girona, Bellingham will be unavailable for the subsequent trip to Seville to face Real Betis on March 2. Compounding the impact of his absence, Bellingham will also sit out the first leg of Real Madrid's Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid. His absence results from accumulating a third booking in their recent victory over Manchester City.
Leave a Reply