Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Real Madrid’s intention to persist with the appeal against Jude Bellingham’s red card, asserting their belief that a two-game suspension is an unjust penalty. Bellingham received the red card for vehemently protesting referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s decision to end the recent 2-2 draw with Valencia seconds before a potential winning goal.
The referee’s report clarified that Bellingham was dismissed for “aggressively” insisting, “it’s a f**king goal,” resulting in a two-game ban, including the upcoming clash with Celta Vigo. Despite an initial appeal being rejected by the Spanish FA, Real Madrid is set to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport with the hope of overturning the decision.
Ancelotti expressed the team’s position, stating, “We have appealed because we think the sanction is exaggerated. 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.”
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Although Madrid continues their appeal, Bellingham remains suspended, rendering him ineligible for the upcoming match against Celta. Ancelotti acknowledged the impact of Bellingham’s absence, noting, “We lose presence in the area from the second line. That has made the difference in La Liga.”
In Bellingham’s stead, Ancelotti is likely to turn to Brahim Diaz, who, with four goals, stands as Madrid’s fifth-highest scorer in La Liga this season. Despite starting only ten games, Diaz has earned favor among fans for his impactful contributions off the bench.