Jude Bellingham has been banned for two La Liga games after he received a red card in Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw at Valencia.
The game came to a very controversial ending. Bellingham argued passionately with referee Jesus Gil Manzano, after Bellingham scored what would have been the game-winning header, just moments after Manzano had already blown his whistle, according to ESPN. His conduct was described as “contemptuous or disrespectful attitudes towards a referee” in the aftermath of the call. The Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee issued Bellingham a two-game ban, Wednesday, as a result of what they described as an “aggressive attitude,” according to ESPN.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 07, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Bellingham allegedly shouted, “It’s a fucking goal!” repeatedly, well after the whistle.
The Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee weighed in on the matter, citing that Bellingham displayed “attitudes of disrespect or a lack of consideration towards the referee,” The ban is the minimum required for this offense, and came with fines to both the club and Bellingham directly, according to ESPN.
Jude Bellingham of England in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between England and France at Al Bayt Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Madrid reported an entirely different version of events and argued that Bellingham had not displayed an “aggressive attitude”, while presenting evidence to the committee, saying he spoke to the referee just once, with words that were neither insulting nor offensive.
Footage reveals Gil Manzano’s whistle came just as Jude Bellingham’s header crossed the line! #ValenciaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/izBX0OCSKw
— 🅼🅰🆁🆃🅸🅽 (@Martin76017) March 3, 2024
The committee assessed the evidence and ruled that the club had not proven their case beyond a doubt. The referee’s interpretation of Bellingham’s conduct was the version they moved forward with.
Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund applauds the fans after the team’s draw in the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund at Mercedes-Benz Arena on April 15, 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany. Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid gestures during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de San Mames on August 12, 2023 in Bilbao, Spain. Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Consequently, Bellingham will miss Madrid’s La Liga games against Celta Vigo on Sunday, and will also sit out of Osasuna’s March 16 game. His return is currently slated for the match with Athletic Club, on March 31, according to ESPN.(RELATED: ‘Keep Me In!’: Travis Kelce Erupts At His Coach Andy Reid After Costly Chiefs Fumble)
Bellingham is now one yellow card away from a possible one-match suspension in the Champions League, as a result of the two he has already picked up this season.