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Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid have lost their appeal against the red card picked up by the midfielder in a controversial La Liga game with Valencia.
The England international was shown a straight red after the final whistle had blown in that contest. Match referee Gil Manzano called time moments before Bellingham converted what he thought was a dramatic winner in a game that ultimately ended 2-2.
Bellingham, who understandably lost his cool, is said to have bellowed “it’s a f*cking goal” in the direction of the match officials, leading to him collecting a first red card of his Blancos career. Real had been hoping to see that decision overturned.
Bellingham told Movistar of the incident: “It’s difficult to say because obviously there’s investigations or appeals going on and stuff like that. And the one thing I will say is that what happened, happened with the referee and the decision to blow the whistle. We all know what happened and we have to remember that he’s human, you know, but so am I. So I think they should have used a little bit more common sense when kind of marking my actions down like they did. I didn’t think I said anything very offensive towards him. I think I ran in a manner that was similar to the rest of my team-mates and I feel like at times because I’m new and stuff, they want to try and make an example, which I’m cool with because you know at the end of the day I need to be responsible for my actions, and I gave him the excuse to send me off. And yeah, I’m not happy with that. But I think if La Liga and the club appeal, there can be a better agreement, because I think two games is a bit ridiculous. But if I have to miss those games I take responsibility and I’ll support the team from there, from the stands.”
That is precisely what Bellingham will have to do as an Appeal Committee have determined that the red card will stand. That means the 20-year-old superstar will have to sit out two La Liga fixtures. The first of those will see Real play host to Celta Vigo on Sunday, before then travelling to Osasuna on March 16. The next international break will then be reached, meaning that Bellingham – with 20 goals to his name this season – will not play for the Blancos again until facing Athletic Club on March 31.
