Jude Bellingham faces a ban of up to 12 matches after his alleged comment to the referee during Saturday's draw with Osasuna.
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Bellingham alleged to have cursed at refMidfielders protests innocenceCould face a 12-match banFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The midfielder was sent off for his supposed slur, leaving his side reduced to 10 men in the 1-1 draw. According to the Spanish Football Federations's rules: "Insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes, unless it constitutes a more serious offense, will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Bellingham was misinterpreted by the official, claiming after the game that his midfielder had said "f*ck off" rather than "f*ck you", as the referee claimed in his report. According to Spanish broadcaster Movistar+, Bellingham said: "I'm talking to you with respect, f*ck off."
WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID
Bellingham said after the game: "I didn’t say anything bad to the referee. It’s clear that there was a communication error. It’s an expression like the Spanish one ‘joder’… and the consequence is that he left us with one less player. It’s not an insult, it was an expression for myself."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?
Should he be handed the maximum ban, Bellingham would miss the Copa Del Rey semi-final and the potential final, as well as a string of crucial games in the La Liga title race. If his words are seen just as a sign of "disrespect", he would face a ban of two or three matches.
