Real Madrid's Bellingham handed two-match ban as Spanish federation condemns referee abuse
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been handed a two-match suspension following his outburst at the referee during a recent La Liga match. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), meanwhile, has strongly condemned the abuse referee Jose Munuera Montero has received since sending off Bellingham.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been given a two-match ban for verbally abusing a referee during his team's 1-1 La Liga draw at Osasuna on Saturday, the Spanish FA (RFEF) said on Wednesday.
Bellingham, 21, was sent off by referee Jose Munuera Montero who thought the England international had directed abusive language at him.
Although Bellingham and his coach Carlo Ancelotti said the official had been mistaken, the RFEF Disciplinary Committee did not agree and imposed the punishment for "attitudes of contempt or lack of consideration towards referees".
Real Madrid to appeal against Bellingham suspension
Real Madrid said they will appeal to try to have Bellingham available for La Liga games against Girona and Betis.
More from Football NewsSaturday's incident sparked an unlikely debate in Spanish media about translation and cultural interpretations of English profanity. It also fuelled a feud between Real Madrid and the country's soccer authorities after Real lodged a letter of complaint against LaLiga's referees after what they said were a number of unfair decisions.
RFEF issued an statement on Tuesday saying referees were sickened by the abuse Montero has received since sending Bellingham off.
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