Jude Bellingham’s Two Match Ban Confirmed as Referee Investigation Continues
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has been given a two-match ban in La Liga after being sent off for allegedly abusing referee José Luis Munuera Montero during the 1-1 draw with Osasuna. Real Madrid appealed but the RFEF Disciplinary Committee has upheld the referee’s decision. Bellingham will miss the next two league games against Girona and Real Betis.
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In a separate development referee José Luis Munuera Montero is under investigation by the RFEF for a potential conflict of interest because of his business activities. Munuera Montero is associated with Talentus Sports, a consultancy firm that works with top football organizations, including LaLiga, UEFA and clubs like Atlético de Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
This has raised questions about a breach of the RFEF Code of Ethics which prohibits referees from having external interests that could compromise their impartiality. Munuera Montero has been temporarily suspended from refereeing matches pending the outcome of the investigation.
After the incident, Munuera Montero and his family have been receiving threats and harassment. The RFEF have strongly condemned the abuse and said it was “repulsive”. They also pointed out the general hostility towards referees in high pressure football.
