Real Madrid

Bellingham was shown a straight red card in last Saturday's 1-1 draw against Osasuna for using foul and abusive language to a match official.

Referee Jose Munuera Montero stated in his match report that Bellingham had said "f*** you" to him in the closing stages of the first half at El Sadar.

Carlo Ancelotti insisted that Bellingham had "f*** off", while the midfielder stated that he made "an expression to myself" rather than insulting the referee.

Real Madrid fail with Bellingham appeal

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disciplinary committee opted to hand the England international a two-match ban for showing "attitudes of contempt or lack of consideration towards referees".

Real Madrid opted to appeal the decision to suspend Bellingham, but they have ultimately failed in their efforts to overturn the ban.

However, the RFEF appeals committee stated it was unable to confirm that Bellingham had said "f*** off" rather than "f*** off", and therefore that part of Real Madrid's argument was "not relevant".

The video evidence provided by the club did not show any conclusive evidence to dispute what the referee had written in his match report.

As a result, the Real Madrid star will begin a two-match ban, starting with Sunday's meeting with Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bellingham to miss three of Real Madrid's next four matches

Bellingham will be free to return to the fold for the first leg of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Real Sociedad on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old will then sit out an away league game against Real Betis, before he serves another suspension in the Champions League last-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid.

Bellingham has received a one-match ban in the Champions League after picking up his third European yellow card of the season in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Manchester City.

In Bellingham's absence, Real Madrid will attempt to extend their unbeaten run to six competitive matches when they face Girona on Sunday.

Los Blancos are currently sitting in second place and behind Barcelona on goal difference, while Atletico are just one point adrift in third position.

Written by

Ben Sully