Real Madrid to appeal Jude Bellingham suspension to Court of Arbitration for Sport
- Bellingham has been issued a two-game suspension for his red card against Valencia
- Spanish FA declined to overturn the ban after Madrid's initial appeal
- Midfielder believes officials want to 'make an example out of him'
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid will take their appeal of Jude Bellingham's suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Bellingham was hit with a two-game ban for his red card against Valencia, which was received as a result of his protests against the referee's decision to blow the final whistle seconds before what would have been a late winner from the Englishman.
Madrid's initial appeal to the Spanish FA (RFEF) was knocked back, with officials finding insufficient evidence to prove the club's claims that Bellingham's words were not 'offensive or insulting'.
As noted by The Athletic, Madrid are not satisfied with that response and will take their appeal to CAS to try and get the ban overturned.
CAS, who typically deal with major disputes such as doping bans and sanctions against clubs, will now hold a hearing to investigate the matter. The process will not be completed in time for Sunday's visit of Celta Vigo, for which Bellingham will remain suspended.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed after the game that Bellingham had been dismissed for telling referee Jesus Gil Manzano, 'It was a f**king goal', and defended the midfielder's frustrations.
Bellingham himself argued he was one of several players pleading with the referee and insisted he did not do anything different to any other player, later claiming La Liga officials are trying to "make an example of him".
After the Celta game, Madrid will travel to Osasuna on March 16, which will be the final game of Bellingham's suspension if CAS decline to intervene.
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