Real Madrid are reportedly considering quitting La Liga and moving to another major European league following the Jude Bellingham red card row.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Bellingham controversially sent off vs OsasunaReal Madrid frustrated with officiating in SpainConsidering joining Serie A, Ligue 1 or BundesligaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Controversy erupted during Madrid’s recent 1-1 draw against Osasuna when referee José Luis Munuera Montero showed Bellingham a straight red card. The match official alleged that the 21-year-old shouted an explicit insult at him in the 39th minute of the game, which led to his immediate dismissal. However, the English midfielder insists that his words were misinterpreted and maintains that he said "f*ck off" out of frustration with himself rather than at the referee.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Amid serious concerns over the officiating standards in La Liga, Spanish outlet has reported that Real Madrid are considering an unprecedented move away from Spain’s top division, with the club allegedly looking at Italy's Serie A, France’s Ligue 1, and Germany’s Bundesliga as potential new homes.
DID YOU KNOW?
While the idea of Madrid leaving La Liga is a sensational prospect, making such a move would be far from simple. FIFA, UEFA, and the governing body of any potential new league would all need to approve the transition. The regulatory framework around such a shift is complex, and no club of Madrid’s stature has ever attempted such a move before.
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Bellingham’s red card is only the latest in a series of incidents that have frustrated Madrid this season. Earlier this month, the club lodged a formal complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), citing “serious refereeing misconduct" following their 1-0 defeat to Espanyol.
Meanwhile, as a result of his red card and the alleged verbal outburst, Bellingham now faces a suspension that could range anywhere from four to twelve matches. Should the ban be upheld, the midfielder will be absent for several crucial fixtures, including La Liga encounters with Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano. Additionally, he would miss the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad scheduled on February 26.
