Jose Luis Munuera Montero has been reportedly left out of La Liga's referees list for matchday 25 after sending off Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham.
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Bellingham was given marching orders against OsasunaEnglish midfielder has denied insulting the refereeMontero not on referees list for next matchdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The pot continues to boil since Bellingham received a red card in the 39th minute of Real's clash with Osasuna after allegedly hurling insulting expletives towards Munuera Montero. The English midfielder walked down the tunnel with Real leading 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Kylian Mbappe. But the match concluded in a 1-1 draw after Osasuna equalised through an Ante Budimir penalty in the second half, which further infuriated Carlo Ancelotti and the Real bosses.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Following the contentious decision, reports indicate that La Liga chiefs have decided to omit Munuera Montero from officiating in the upcoming Matchday 25. This move comes in response to the abuse Munuera Montero has faced for sending off Bellingham, which the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) condemned in a statement released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Munuera Montero reportedly received death threats directed at both him and his family via social media platforms.
DID YOU KNOW?
This is not the first instance of friction between Munuera Montero and Real Madrid. In November 2018, while serving as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Real Madrid's 3-0 defeat to Eibar, Montero was observed high-fiving fellow officials following Eibar's opening goal. Gonzalo Escalante drew first blood in the 16th minute and following a VAR check for a potential offside, the goal was given.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
As a consequence of the red card and the alleged verbal misconduct, Bellingham faces a suspension that could range from four to twelve matches. However, he will still be eligible to participate in Real Madrid's upcoming Champions League last 16 playoff second leg clash against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.
