Jude Bellingham hits out at 'ridiculous' suspension over Valencia drama

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham believes La Liga are seeking to make an example of him with the decision to suspend him for two games in the aftermath of his red card against Valencia.

Bellingham was dismissed after the game as a result of his protests towards referee Jesus Gil Manzano, who blew the final whistle just seconds before the Englishman headed home what would have been a winning goal.

"He didn't insult the referee. He was respectful," manager Carlo Ancelotti said after the incident. "He spoke in English and just said: 'It was a f**king goal'."

With a two-game suspension handed down, Bellingham voiced his disappointment towards the decision after Wednesday's 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig.

"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," he said.

"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, but if it's two matches I have to take my responsibility and I'll cheer from the stands."

Bellingham will miss Sunday's meeting with Celta Vigo, who sit 17th in the La Liga standings, and the trip to face tenth-placed Osasuna the following weekend.

His absence will likely bring more minutes for either Brahim Diaz or Arda Guler, but Ancelotti will be keen to find a new source of goals without his top scorer in the ranks.

Vinicius Junior has found the back of the net nine times this season, seven behind Bellingham, while Rodrygo and Joselu are both narrowly behind with eight. Brahim is Madrid's fifth-highest scorer this season on four.

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