It's been a campaign of tension between Real Madrid and La Liga's officials, and Jude Bellingham's controversial dismissal at Osasuna has only stoked the fire.
Spain's heavyweight outfit have filed multiple complaints, ignited protests, and used supposed video evidence to back up their claims of a refereeing conspiracy, suggesting that La Liga's officiating has "reached a level of manipulation and adulteration of the competition that can no longer be ignored".
Even Carlo Ancelotti, the stoic-like figure in Madrid's dugout, has failed to hide his frustration.
Saturday was another outing of tension, with Madrid believing that Osasuna were the beneficiaries of multiple decisions before Bellingham received his marching orders for what's been dressed up as a "miscommunication" by the England international.
The referee's misjudgement was hardly egregious, however, and Bellingham risks serving a hefty suspension. However, he will be available on Wednesday night as Madrid aim to confirm their place in the Champions League round of 16.
The English midfielder was the match-winner at Manchester City as Madrid produced a late comeback in Tuesday night's first leg to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 advantage. The perennial European champions are now big favourites to advance from their play-off with the Cityzens, and Ancelotti will have Bellingham to call upon despite Saturday's red card.
Domestic suspensions do not carry over into any UEFA club competition and vice versa. Hypothetically, had Bellingham been sent off on Tuesday night against City, he'd only be suspended for upcoming Champions League fixtures and would be available for all domestic fixtures.
Still, Bellingham risks sitting out for a prolonged period while Madrid aim to claim back-to-back La Liga titles. According to the RFEF's disciplinary code, Bellingham could serve a domestic suspension lasting between four to 12 games for insulting Montero.
Article 94 of the code states: “Insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes, unless it constitutes a more serious offense, will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches.”
In the unlikely event of a 12-game ban, Bellingham would miss the Copa del Rey final should Madrid beat Real Sociedad in the semi-finals. If the Englishman is suspended for four games, he'll miss upcoming La Liga fixtures against Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the first leg of the aforementioned cup tie.
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