Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham could face a potential 12-game ban in La Liga following a disputed red card incident during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Osasuna.
The England international was sent off in the 39th minute after an exchange with referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
The controversy centres on whether Bellingham said "f*** you" or "f*** off" to the official, with the distinction potentially having significant implications for the length of his suspension.
The incident has sparked debate over translation and cultural interpretations of English expressions in Spanish football.
Jude Bellingham was shown a red card for dissent
REUTERS
According to the referee's match report, Bellingham was dismissed for addressing him "just a few metres away" with the words "f*** you."
The potential punishment could be severe under Article 94 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation's Disciplinary Code.
The regulation states that insulting or addressing officials in offensive terms will result in a suspension ranging from four to 12 matches.
However, if the incident is deemed merely an "attitude of contempt or disrespect without the act being more serious," the England midfielder could face a reduced ban of two to three games.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti strongly defended Bellingham, claiming a translation error led to the dismissal.
Jude Bellingham disputed the red card
REUTERS
"The referee didn't understand English well, he said 'f off' and not 'f you'," Ancelotti stated. "He made a mistake in the translation. It's not something offensive."
Bellingham himself addressed the incident, saying: "It's clear he made a mistake and there was a miscommunication."
The midfielder added: "I don't want to go into the incident in too much detail but it's more an expression like 'Joder' and it's difficult when a referee isn't sure to determine when I've said something that I haven't."
Mason Greenwood's recent case with Getafe offers a precedent that could work in Bellingham's favour.
Greenwood had his red card rescinded in January after an official translator determined he had said "One, two, three, four, f" rather than "f you" as initially reported.
However, Bellingham's previous conduct this season could work against him.
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Jude Bellingham could be punished severely
REUTERS
He has reportedly been caught on microphones directing similar language at officials in matches against Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and AC Milan.
These incidents include shouting "f*** you" at a linesman during Real's previous LaLiga match against Atletico.
