A referee shows a red card to a player with the number 5 on his jersey, next to a judge's gavel and the word "SANCTIONS" in the background. — Sanction and expulsion of Bellingham | Real Madrid Confidencial

Camara — Sanction and expulsion of Bellingham | Real Madrid Confidencial

The Appeals Committee Unfairly Punishes Madrid: Bellingham Sanctioned

The appeal presented by Real Madrid has been dismissed and he will miss two league matches against Girona and Betis.

21/02/2025 13:05:00h

Alex Moreno

Jude Bellingham has been sanctioned with a two-match suspension by the Appeals Committee, which dismissed the appeal filed by Real Madrid. The English player will miss the upcoming league matches against Girona and Betis, following his expulsion in the match against Osasuna.

Bellingham's "Fuck Off": An Insult?

The controversy began in the 39th minute of the match between Osasuna and Real Madrid. Bellingham approached the referee, Munuera Montero, after a controversial decision and said: "I'm speaking to you with respect, fuck off." However, the referee interpreted these words as an insult and decided to expel the English midfielder.

In the match report, Munuera detailed that Bellingham was expelled for "addressing me, being a few meters away, in the following terms: 'Fuck you'."

The Discrepancy Between the Referee and Bellingham

Bellingham has insisted that he didn't use offensive language and that he simply tried to express his disagreement with the referee in a firm but respectful manner. However, the Appeals Committee didn't consider this argument sufficient and upheld the sanction imposed by the Competition Committee.

Real Madrid filed an appeal, arguing that the expulsion was unfair and that Bellingham's words didn't constitute an insult. The club's defense insisted that the player hadn't disrespected the referee but had expressed his frustration directly. Despite these arguments, Appeals sided with the Disciplinary decision, rejecting the club's appeal.

A player in a white uniform is talking on the field, while another player in a blue uniform is behind him. There are spectators in the stands and a caption at the bottom of the image.

Bellingham protest | Real Madrid Confidencial

Two-Match Suspension for Bellingham

Finally, Bellingham will be sanctioned with a two-match suspension, which will prevent him from playing the matches against Girona and Betis. Although the Committee didn't classify his words as a serious insult, the sanction remains, something many consider an excessive decision.

The controversy continues to generate divided opinions. For many, the punishment is disproportionate, especially when compared to other similar incidents that don't result in such severe sanctions. Real Madrid has already expressed its disagreement with the decision and continues to defend its English star.

➡️ First Team