Jude Bellingham red card appeal rejected, Real Madrid midfielder will miss two La Liga games

The Spanish Football Federation’s Appeals Committee has dismissed an appeal from Real Madrid against the two-match ban handed to midfielder Jude Bellingham. The England international will now miss crucial La Liga fixtures against Girona and Real Betis.

Bellingham was banned following his red card in the 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday. Referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero reported that Bellingham had insulted him, stating the player said, “—- you.”

Real Madrid and Bellingham contested this version of events, claiming the midfielder had instead said “—- off” in general frustration, not directed at the official. Video footage appeared to support this claim, showing Bellingham saying, “I’m talking to you with respect” before the disputed phrase.

Despite Madrid’s insistence that the referee’s report contained a manifest error, their initial appeal to the Federation’s Disciplinary Committee was rejected earlier this week. They subsequently took their case to the Appeals Committee, but this second attempt has also proved unsuccessful.

The club argued that the difference in wording was significant. While “—- you” would constitute a direct insult, potentially carrying a harsher four to twelve-game ban, “—- off” was argued to be a general expression of frustration. Bellingham received the minimum two-match suspension for disrespectful conduct.

Real Madrid armed their defence with testimony from a lip-reader and a Spanish language expert, but the Committee remained unconvinced.

This setback is a blow to Real Madrid. They are currently level on points with league leaders Barcelona and need all hands on deck in the coming matches.

Bellingham has been a key player for Los Blancos this season, contributing seven goals and six assists in 20 league appearances.

While the 21-year-old will be available for the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad, he will miss three of their next four games due to an additional suspension in Europe.

His yellow card against Manchester City in the play-offs means he will also miss the first leg of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly expressed concern regarding Bellingham’s disciplinary record.