Madrid, March 07, 2024, The Europe Today: Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has expressed his dissatisfaction with the two-match ban imposed by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for dissent, labeling the decision as “ridiculous.” Bellingham believes he is being singled out as a newer player in LaLiga and made an example of.
The 20-year-old received the suspension for displaying contempt towards referee Jesus Gil Manzano during Real Madrid’s recent 2-2 league draw with Valencia. Bellingham contested Manzano’s decision to blow the final whistle, as he headed in a potential winning goal in added time.
In response to the ban, Bellingham stated in an interview with Movistar after Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last-16 second-leg tie on Wednesday, “I didn’t think I said anything very offensive towards him. I feel like at times because I’m new and stuff, they want to try and make an example… I need to be responsible for my actions, and I gave him the excuse to send me off.”
Bellingham acknowledged the need to take responsibility for his actions but suggested that the ban might be excessive. He expressed hope that an appeal by LaLiga and the club could lead to a more reasonable agreement. If the ban stands, Bellingham will miss the upcoming LaLiga matches against Celta Vigo on Sunday and the trip to Osasuna on March 16.
Real Madrid secured a place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory over RB Leipzig. Despite the ban, Bellingham pledged to support his team from the stands during the upcoming matches.
