Bellingham handed two match suspension for verbally abusing referee

MADRID - Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been given a two-match ban for verbally abusing a referee during his teams 1-1 Spanish La Liga draw at Osasuna on Feb 15, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Feb 19.

Bellingham, 21, was sent off by referee Jose Munuera Montero who thought the England international had directed abusive language at him.

Although Bellingham and his coach Carlo Ancelotti said the official had been mistaken, the RFEF disciplinary committee did not agree and imposed the punishment for attitudes of contempt or lack of consideration towards referees.

Real Madrid said they will appeal to try to have Bellingham available for La Liga games against Girona and Betis.

The incident sparked an unlikely debate in Spanish media about translation and cultural interpretations of English profanity. It also fueled a feud between Real Madrid and the countrys football authorities after Real lodged a letter of complaint against La Ligas referees after what they said were a number of unfair decisions.

RFEF issued an statement on Feb 18 saying referees were sickened by the abuse Montero has received since sending Bellingham off. REUTERS

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