Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed his frustration with the two-game suspension he received in LaLiga, labelling it “a bit ridiculous.”
He suggested that his status as a newcomer to the league might have played a role in the severity of the punishment, stating, “Because I’m new, they want to make an example of me.”
The suspension was imposed by the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee following Bellingham’s red card during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Valencia.
Bellingham was sent off for protesting the referee’s decision to blow the whistle just moments before he scored a late winning goal.
Despite providing an assist for Vinícius Júnior in Madrid’s 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig in the Champions League round of 16, Bellingham will be sidelined until March 31 unless the club’s appeal is successful.
“It’s difficult to talk about because there’s an appeal going on,” Bellingham told Movistar after the match. “All I can say is what happened with the referee’s decision to blow the whistle. He’s human, but so am I.
“I didn’t say anything offensive. I feel like at times, because I’m new, they want to make an example of me, which I’m cool with. I have to take responsibility for my actions.
“I think two games is a bit ridiculous but if I have to miss those two games, I’ll support the team from the stands.”
Bellingham faces a two-game suspension, causing him to sit out Madrid’s upcoming La Liga matches against Celta Vigo on Sunday and Osasuna on March 16.
During Madrid’s recent match at Mestalla, Bellingham scored a goal in the 99th minute, seemingly securing a win with the game tied at 2-2.
However, referee Jesus Gil Manzano had already blown the final whistle as Brahim Diaz prepared to cross.
According to Gil Manzano’s report, Bellingham was dismissed for displaying an “aggressive attitude” by repeatedly shouting “it’s a f—ing goal” in English.
Despite Madrid’s efforts, the RFEF’s disciplinary committee found insufficient evidence to challenge the referee’s assessment.
Bellingham’s impressive performance this season includes scoring 16 goals in 22 league appearances, contributing to Madrid’s position at the top of the table.
Additionally, his recent assist against Leipzig adds to his tally of four goals and four assists in six Champions League games for Madrid.