The RFEF is investigating Jose Luis Munuera Montero, the referee who sent off Jude Bellingham.
The referee who sent off Jude Bellingham over the weekend is facing a lengthy suspension following an investigation.
Furious at an official’s decision in Real Madrid’s 1-1 tie with Osasuna, Bellingham appeared to tell Jose Luis Munuera Montero, “I am talking to you with respect,” before turning away and appearing to utter “F*** off.”
He was then promptly issued a red card for what the referee perceived to be obvious dissent.
Afterward, Bellingham stated that he “never insulted the referee” and that the phrase was “an expression to myself,” with Carlo Ancelotti insisting that there was a huge misunderstanding.
Bellingham’s comment and its significance are being probed, but it has been revealed that Montero is also the focus of a separate investigation.
According to AS, in addition to being a referee, Montero formed a consultancy and sports management company with clients including La Liga, UEFA, RFEF, and clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The RFEF has now launched a formal inquiry to examine whether there is a conflict of interest, with a maximum €100,000 fine and a five-year refereeing suspension if evidence indicates Montero did not follow the proper procedure.
Referees and important figures must adhere to Point 9.1 of the Regulatory Code, which specifies that relevant persons must not “have secondary interests that may interfere with the fulfilment of their professional obligations.”
According to the report, the Federation’s Compliance Committee is still collecting evidence before making a conclusion.
Following the red card incident, Relevo stated that Montero was not chosen to oversee any of the ten games during the forthcoming La Liga matchweek.
Montero got death threats and abuse after firing Bellingham, prompting an RFEF statement in his support.
“The professional referees are absolutely repulsed by the attacks and threats that our colleague Jose Luis Munuera Montero is receiving through social networks,” according to a statement.
“These attacks add to the anger and verbal aggression that we must endure every weekend in order to carry out our professional duties, which in many cases escalates to physical violence.
