The referee who sent off Jude Bellingham at the weekend is facing a huge ban after an investigation was opened.
Frustrated by a referee’s decision during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna, Jude Bellingham appeared to tell Jose Luis Munuera Montero, “I am talking to you with respect,” before seemingly saying “F* off”** as he turned away.
The referee immediately issued a red card, interpreting Bellingham’s words as dissent.
After the match, Bellingham denied insulting the official, claiming the phrase was directed at himself rather than Montero. Manager Carlo Ancelotti also defended his player, insisting it was a misunderstanding.
While Bellingham’s remark is under investigation, Montero himself is also facing scrutiny. Reports from AS suggest that, in addition to being a referee, Montero founded a consultancy and sports management company with clients including La Liga, UEFA, RFEF, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The RFEF has now launched an official investigation to assess whether this constitutes a conflict of interest. If found guilty of violating refereeing regulations, Montero could face a €100,000 fine and a five-year suspension from officiating.
Regulatory Concerns and Investigation
Point 9.1 of the Regulatory Code, which referees and key officials must adhere to, states that individuals in these roles must not “have secondary interests that may interfere with the fulfillment of their professional obligations.”
The RFEF Compliance Committee is currently gathering evidence and has yet to reach a decision regarding Montero’s potential conflict of interest.
Montero’s Absence and Safety Concerns
Following the controversy surrounding Bellingham’s red card, Relevo reported that Montero was not assigned to officiate any of the 10 matches in the upcoming La Liga matchweek.
Montero has also been subjected to death threats and abuse on social media over his decision to send off Bellingham. In response, the RFEF issued a statement condemning the threats and expressing solidarity with the referee.
“The professional referees are absolutely repulsed by the attacks and threats that our colleague Jose Luis Munuera Montero is receiving through social networks,” the statement read.
It further highlighted the growing issue of hostility towards referees, stating that such verbal and online abuse often escalates into physical violence at grassroots levels.
