Jude Bellingham, the well-regarded midfielder for Real Madrid, faces a two-match suspension from La Liga play following his red card after the 2-2 draw against Valencia. Bellingham, 20, was under the impression that he had secured a late victory with a goal in added time during last Saturday’s match at Mestalla Stadium. However, the match official, Gil Manzano, signaled the end of the match right as the ball was crossed, negating the goal.
The English player will still be available for Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League encounter with RB Leipzig set for Wednesday. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) issued a statement declaring that Bellingham exhibited behavior that showed “indifference or neglect” directed at Manzano when Real Madrid’s squad and officials protested the decision.
Jude Bellingham fined and suspended for two LaLiga matches
Recently back in play after recovering from an ankle injury for three weeks, Bellingham was also handed a 600 euro penalty, while Real Madrid incurred a 700 euro fine. Real Madrid submitted an appeal disputing Bellingham’s red card but to no avail, as the RFEF’s disciplinary panel rejected the claim of a refereeing oversight.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s manager, expressed frustration at the incident by saying, “We feel aggrieved about Bellingham’s dismissal since he didn’t engage in any offensive speech. It was merely an expression of his frustration.”
This season’s top scorer for Real with 16 league goals, Bellingham will be absent for the upcoming matches against Celta Vigo this Sunday and against Osasuna on March 16. However, he is expected to make his return against Athletic Bilbao on March 31 after the international play schedules.
During the international interval, England will engage in friendly bouts with Brazil on March 23 and with Belgium three days later. Despite this hiccup, Real Madrid comfortably leads La Liga with a seven-point margin and carries a single-goal advantage into the second leg with Leipzig at their home ground, the Bernabeu.
