Jude Bellingham, who was red carded during a Pamplona match, faces a severe disciplinary danger. In the 39th minute, the English midfielder was directly sent off by referee Munuera Montero, amid much annoyance among Real Madrid players about officiating calls. According to reports, Bellingham and the referee had a conversation that ended with Bellingham being expelled for allegedly making offensive remarks or insults.

The type of remarks Bellingham made will determine how harsh his punishment is. He might be suspended for four to twelve games if it is determined that he insulted the referee, as per the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) Disciplinary Code. Article 94 states that “insulting, offending, or addressing the chief referee, assistants, fourth official, officials, or sporting authorities in derogatory terms or attitudes, unless it constitutes a more serious offense, will be penalized with a suspension of four to twelve matches.” Bellingham would miss important games, such as La Liga matchups against Girona, Real Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad, if such a suspension were to be implemented.

The penalty would be less severe if merely offensive statements were made. Article 117 states that “addressing referees, officials, or sporting authorities in terms or attitudes of contempt or disrespect, provided the action does not constitute a more serious offense, will lead to a suspension of two to three matches or a period of up to one month.”