Real Madrid’s Unconventional Move to Appeal Jude Bellingham’s Red Card
Real Madrid has taken an unconventional step in their efforts to rescind Jude Bellingham’s red card after the Spanish side appealed his ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid, was shown a red card for his protestations following a dramatic 2-2 draw with Valencia last weekend. The Englishman had scored what would have been a late winner just seconds after the full-time whistle was blown. Madrid players surrounded the referee in protest over the decision to blow the whistle, resulting in Bellingham being given his marching orders and a two-match ban.
Initially, the Liga leaders appealed the decision to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), but the ban was upheld. The RFEF cited ‘attitudes of contempt or disregard towards referees, directors, or sports authorities’ as the reason for upholding the ban. However, Madrid is not giving up and has now appealed the decision to CAS, the highest court in sports. This move is unusual, as CAS rulings are typically reserved for the most serious issues in sports, such as Manchester City’s ban from European football in 2020 and the ban on Russian athletes from the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Unfortunately for Bellingham, even if CAS takes up the case, any ruling would not come in time to affect his suspension, which is set to end at the end of March. The young midfielder will miss Real Madrid’s next two matches as a result of the ban.
Speaking about the ban after his side’s midweek Champions League win, Bellingham expressed his frustration. He stated, “I didn’t say anything offensive. I didn’t say anything different to what my teammates said, and I think that sometimes because I’m new, they want to make an example of me. In the end, I have to be responsible for my actions, and I’m not proud. But I think two matches for that is a bit ridiculous. If it’s two, I have to take my responsibility and cheer from the stands.”
In addition to the ban, Bellingham has also been the subject of an investigation by the RFEF regarding an alleged slur directed towards Manchester United’s on-loan forward, Mason Greenwood, last month. The case claimed that Bellingham called Greenwood a ‘rapist’ during Real Madrid’s win over Getafe on February 1. However, the case was eventually dismissed.
Real Madrid’s decision to appeal Bellingham’s red card to CAS showcases their determination to fight for their player’s rights and challenge what they believe to be an unjust ban. While the outcome of the appeal remains uncertain, Madrid’s move highlights their commitment to supporting their players and seeking fair treatment within the sport.
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