Madrid, February 20 (HS): The disciplinary committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has banned Real Madrid's English midfielder Jude Bellingham for two matches. This action comes after he was shown a red card in last Saturday's match against Osasuna.

Bellingham was sent off in the first half of the match by referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero for swearing. However, Real Madrid questioned the referee's report, saying that Bellingham had said

abusive language.

“I think you can see clearly in the video, I remember the incident very well, it was an expression [I was saying] to myself,” said the 21-year-old on Wednesday.

Bellingham had said his dismissal was due to a misunderstanding.

“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.”

However the RFEF found Bellingham guilty of disrespect towards the referee, which resulted in him being suspended for two matches. If he is found guilty of insulting the referee, his ban could extend from 4 to 12 matches.

Referee Munuera has faced threats and rude comments on social media after this decision. Hundreds of abusive messages were sent targeting him and his family, forcing him to shut down his social media profiles.

Real Madrid may appeal against Bellingham's ban. If the ban is upheld, Bellingham will miss games against Girona on Saturday and Betis next week.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar