Real Madrid’s frustration with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Referees Committee (CTA) continues as Jude Bellingham’s suspension has been upheld, despite the club’s efforts to overturn it.
Los Blancos had appealed the decision, arguing that referee José Luis Munuera Montero made a “manifest error” in his report, which stated that Bellingham directed the phrase “F*** you” at him. Madrid insisted that the England star actually said “F*** off,” a distinction they claimed was a general expression of frustration rather than direct disrespect toward the official.
While a more severe classification could have resulted in a four-to-twelve-game ban, Bellingham received the minimum two-match suspension for “disrespectful conduct.” Despite Real Madrid’s legal push—which included testimony from a lip-reader and a Spanish expert in the English language—the Competition Committee rejected their appeal.
As a result, Bellingham will be sidelined for two crucial La Liga fixtures: Girona at home and Real Betis away. While he remains eligible for the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad, he will also miss Real Madrid’s Champions League first-leg clash against Atlético Madrid due to an unrelated yellow card suspension.
With three suspensions in his next four games, concerns are reportedly growing within the club regarding Bellingham’s recent disciplinary issues. Carlo Ancelotti is said to be keeping a close eye on the situation as Madrid enters a critical phase of the season.
