Real Madrid remains at the top of the La Liga table, one point ahead of cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, after the draw at the Estadio El Sadar.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for the visitors within 15 minutes, but Real Madrid was reduced to 10 men when Bellingham was shown a straight red card for allegedly using foul and abusive language towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero. ..Continue Reading
Osasuna equalized before the hour mark when Eduardo Camavinga fouled Ante Budimir in the box, and Budimir converted the resulting penalty.
Just before being sent off, Bellingham appeared to say to referee Montero, “I’m talking to you with respect. F**k off,” prompting the official to issue a straight red card.
After the match, the England international explained that he was expressing his frustration to himself and not directly insulting the referee.
He said: “It’s difficult when a referee isn’t sure, to determine that I’ve said something that I haven’t, and as a result it kind of hinders the team.
“I think you can see clearly in the video… I remember the incident very well, it was an expression to myself.
“I’m not even directing myself towards the referee, but obviously there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed that I’ve said [something insulting] to him.
“There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason I think you can see there was a misunderstanding.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted Bellingham had swore but that the referee had misunderstood his expression and the player did not intend to offend the official.
He said: “I think with Bellingham’s red card [the referee] didn’t understand the English well. I don’t think it’s something offensive.
“I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous. Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing.”
Now, Spanish publication Marca claims Bellingham could be facing a ban of at least four matches and potentially up to 12 games, which would have a big impact on Real’s campaign.
A key issue is the referee’s report claims Bellingham said ‘F**k you’ directly to him, rather than the England star saying he said ‘F**k off’ but in a general manner to himself.
The publication said: “On this occasion, and according to the official minutes of the match, we must wait to see what the sanction may be, since it will be crucial to know whether Jude’s words are interpreted as an insult or as a sign of disregard.
“In the first case, if it is analyzed as an insult, the sanction would range from four to twelve games.
“These are the exact words of the regulations: ‘Insulting, offending or using insulting terms or attitudes towards the main referee, assistants, fourth referee, directors or sports authorities, unless it constitutes a more serious offence, will be punished with a suspension of four to twelve games.’
“On the other hand, if the words are understood as a disregard, the sanction would be placed on both parties.”
