Will Jude Bellingham play against Man City tonight in the UEFA Champions League?

Jude Bellingham could be set for a lengthy spell on the side after his red card against Osasuna this weekend. According to the British tabloid The Sun, Bellingham could be handed a massive ban which could go up to as many as 12 games.

In the 39th minute of the 1-1 draw against Las Palmas, Bellingham was observed engaging with referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero, who then produced a red card, shocking both the midfielder and his teammates.

In the official’s match report, he detailed the incident, stating that the sanction was: “For addressing me, just a few meters away, in the following terms: “F*** you”.

If the complaint is validated, Jude Bellingham’s suspension could be quite severe, as outlined by the regulations of the Spanish Football Federation.

What Led to the Jude Bellingham Ban?

According to Madrid-based newspaper AS, Article 94 of the Disciplinary Code of the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] reads: ‘Insulting, offending, or confronting the head referee, assistants, fourth official, officials, or sports authorities in derogatory terms or behavior, unless it constitutes a more severe violation, will incur a suspension of four to 12 matches.’

Nonetheless, if the offense is considered an “attitude of disdain or disrespect without the behavior being more severe,” Bellingham may only face a suspension of two or three matches. This is the more likely outcome in this case.

This has incited a lot of debates in Spanish football but the result has allowed Barcelona to take the top spot in the league standings, leading Real Madrid on head-to-head while both teams have the same points.

Either way, Bellingham will now have his focus on the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff second leg against Manchester City this week, which Los Blancos lead 3-2. No matter what the Spanish Federation decides for the suspension, it will only apply to domestic games and Champions League games won’t fall within that ambit. Hence Jude Bellingham will be available and can play against Manchester City in the exciting second-leg clash.