Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has received a two-game ban in La Liga as a consequence of his red card following the 2-2 draw against Valencia.
Bellingham, aged 20, believed he had secured the winning goal six minutes into stoppage time at the Mestalla on Saturday. However, referee Gil Manzano had already blown the full-time whistle as the cross was being delivered.
Despite this setback, England’s Bellingham will be eligible to participate in Real’s Champions League last-16 encounter against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) stated that Bellingham displayed “contempt or disregard” towards Manzano when Real players and staff surrounded the referee.
Following this incident, Bellingham, who had just returned after a three-week absence due to an ankle injury, was fined 600 euros (£513), while Real received a fine of 700 euros (£598).
Real contested Bellingham’s red card; however, the RFEF disciplinary committee rejected their argument that the referee had committed an “error.”
Manager Carlo Ancelotti said after the incident: “We were annoyed by Bellingham’s red card because he didn’t say anything insulting. It was frustration.”
Real’s top scorer this season, with 16 league goals, Bellingham will sit out the matches against Celta Vigo on Sunday and Osasuna on March 16.
He is set to make his comeback in the clash against Athletic Bilbao on March 31, following the international break.
England is scheduled to play friendlies against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26.
Real Madrid currently enjoys a seven-point lead at the summit of La Liga and holds a 1-0 lead over Leipzig heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu.