Jude Bellingham is facing the prospect of a large ban following his straight red card in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
Los Blancos sit at the summit of the La Liga table and a point ahead of cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid following the spoils being shared at the Estadio El Sadar.
Kylian Mbappe put the visitors ahead inside 15 minutes only for Real to be reduced to 10 men when Bellingham was shown a straight red card after allegedly using foul and abusive language towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
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But the hosts drew level before the hour mark when Eduardo Camavinga brought down Ante Budimir in the box and the Osasuna man duly slotted home from the penalty spot.
Immediately before he was given his marching orders, it appears that Bellingham said in the direction of referee Montero 'I'm talking to you with respect. F**k off' before the official produced a straight red card.
The England international said after the game that he was expressing his frustration generally to himself following a decision and not directing an insult towards the referee.
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He said: "It's difficult when a referee isn't sure, to determine that I've said something that I haven't, and as a result it kind of hinders the team.
"I think you can see clearly in the video... I remember the incident very well, it was an expression to myself.
"I'm not even directing myself towards the referee, but obviously there was a misunderstanding. He's believed that I've said [something insulting] to him.
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"There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason I think you can see there was a misunderstanding."
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted Bellingham had swore but that the referee had misunderstood his expression and the England midfielder did not intend to offend the official.
He said: "I think with Bellingham's red card [the referee] didn't understand the English well. I don't think it's something offensive.
"I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous. Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing."
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Now, Spanish publication Marca suggests that Bellingham could be facing a ban of at least four matches and potentially up to 12 games, which would have a big impact on Real's campaign.
A key issue is the referee's report claims Bellingham said 'F**k you' directly to him, rather than the midfielder saying he said 'F**k off' but in a general manner to himself.
The publication said: "On this occasion, and according to the official minutes of the match, we must wait to see what the sanction may be, since it will be crucial to know whether Jude's words are interpreted as an insult or as a sign of disregard.
"In the first case, if it is analyzed as an insult, the sanction would range from four to twelve games.
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"These are the exact words of the regulations: 'Insulting, offending or using insulting terms or attitudes towards the main referee, assistants, fourth referee, directors or sports authorities, unless it constitutes a more serious offence, will be punished with a suspension of four to twelve games.'
"On the other hand, if the words are understood as a disregard, the sanction would be placed on both parties."
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, La Liga
John McDougall