Jude Bellingham has a conspiracy theory about why he was handed a two-game ban following his red card.
Bellingham has enjoyed a superb first season at Real Madrid, and is on course to win La Liga in his first campaign.
However, having only just returned from a three-match injury lay-off, the 20-year-old now faces a two-match suspension following his dismissal at the weekend.
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Bellingham was shown a straight red card as he and his teammates protested to referee Jesus Gil Manzano at the end of Madrid's 2-2 draw with Valencia.
After fighting back from 0-2 down, Carlo Ancelotti's players were incensed when the referee blew the final whistle just as Brahim Diaz crossed the ball into the penalty area.
Bellingham headed in what he thought was the winning goal, before he and his teammates surrounded the referee and demanded the goal be awarded.
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Gil Manzano's report said that he then sent Bellingham off for an "aggressive attitude" after "repeatedly" shouting "it's a f****** goal" in English.
Now, Bellingham has come up with a theory as to why he has been handed a seemingly harsh two-match ban.
"It's difficult to talk about, because there's appeals going on," Bellingham told Movistar, via ESPN, after Madrid's 1-1 Champions League draw with RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
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"All I can say is what happened, with the referee's decision to blow the whistle. He's human, but so am I.
"I didn't say anything offensive. I feel like at times because I'm new, they want to make an example [of me], which I'm cool with.
"I have to take responsibility for my actions. I think two games is a bit ridiculous but if I have to miss those two games, I'll support the team from the stands."
The RFEF's disciplinary committee found that Real Madrid had not provided sufficient evidence to prove beyond doubt that the referee's assessment was mistaken.
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Bellingham will miss his side's La Liga clashes with Celta Vigo on Sunday and Osasuna on Saturday March 16.
Topics: Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham, La Liga
Alex Brotherton