Carlo Ancelotti explains why Real Madrid appealed Jude Bellingham red card

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Real Madrid will continue to appeal Jude Bellingham's red card because they believe a two-game suspension is an unfair punishment.

Bellingham was shown a red card for his protests towards referee Jesus Gil Manzano's decision to blow the final whistle seconds before what would have been a winning goal in the recent 2-2 draw with Valencia.

The referee report later confirmed Bellingham was sent off for "aggressively" insisting "it's a f**king goal", with the Englishman receiving a two-game ban which will kick on for Sunday's clash with Celta Vigo.

An initial appeal of the decision was rejected by the Spanish FA but Madrid will take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the hope of seeing the punishment overturned.

"We have appealed because we think the sanction is exaggerated," Ancelotti said. "It wasn't an insult, the record says it.

"They have evaluated the aggressive way of approaching the referee. Bellingham protested, like everyone else. Many do it in a more exaggerated way than him. And nothing more. We think that the sanction is not correct."

Despite Madrid's continued appeal, Bellingham's suspension remains active and he is therefore ineligible for Sunday's trip to Celta.

"We lose presence in the area from the second line," said Ancelotti when asked what Bellingham's absence means for the team. "That has made the difference in La Liga."

In Bellingham's place, Ancelotti is likely to turn to Brahim Diaz, whose return of four goals actually makes him Madrid's fifth-highest scorer in La Liga this season. The 24-year-old has only started ten games but has won over fans with his impact off the bench.

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