Real Madrid talisman facing a two-match ban following red card vs Osasuna | OneFootball

Saturday evening turned out to be a forgettable one for Real Madrid as they were held to a 1-1 draw by CA Osasuna away at El Sadar.

The result meant that Los Blancos have now gone without a win in each of their last three La Liga matches, allowing the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to catch up with them in the table.

The headline though was the red card shown to Jude Bellingham by referee Munuera Montero in the 40th minute of the match, due to the midfielder’s verbal protests over a corner kick not being given.

Two-match ban a possibility

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that based on the referee’s official match report, Bellingham could face a potential two-match ban.

The referee documented the incident in his match report, stating: “In the 40th minute, player (5) Bellingham, Jude Victor William, was sent off for the following reason: For addressing me, from a short distance, with the words: ‘F*** you’.”

The final decision will be made by the Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday. However, based on the referee’s report, Bellingham is likely to receive a two-match suspension under Article 124 of the Disciplinary Code, which covers “disrespect or disregard towards referees.”

If upheld, this suspension would rule Bellingham out of Real Madrid’s next two La Liga matches against Girona and Real Betis.

Bellingham was sent off in the 40th minute. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

However, as this is considered a minor offense, it will not affect the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad. He would be eligible to return for the match against Rayo Vallecano in the second week of March.

Only if the Disciplinary Committee classifies the incident as “conduct contrary to good sporting order”, as per Article 126, would the sanction be reduced to a one-match ban, in which case he would only miss the next game vs. Girona.

Real Madrid will appeal

Real Madrid are likely to appeal the decision before the Disciplinary Committee, possibly using video evidence to argue that Bellingham had no intent to insult the referee.

However, the Merengues face a challenge due to Article 27 of the Disciplinary Code, which states:

“In the assessment of disciplinary infractions, the referee’s decisions regarding events related to the game are final and are presumed to be accurate, except in cases of clear material error.”

With the committee’s ruling set for Wednesday, Real Madrid will be hoping to reduce or overturn the suspension to ensure Bellingham’s availability for key upcoming fixtures.