UEFA has decided on the referee who controversially sent off Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham over the weekend.
Real ended up with a 1-1 draw against Osasuna in La Liga, and there was quite a bit of frustration among Los Blancos regarding Bellingham’s second red card for the club just before halftime.
Bellingham, clearly frustrated with a decision, seemed to say to referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero, “I am talking to you with respect,” but then appeared to mutter “F*** off” as he walked away.
The ref thought his outburst showed clear disagreement, even though Bellingham later said it was just something he said to himself, and his manager Carlo Ancelotti backed him up on that.
After facing some pretty nasty abuse, including death threats, Relevo shared that Montero won’t be officiating any of the 10 matches in the upcoming La Liga matchweek.
So, it turns out he’s being looked into by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) because of a possible conflict of interest.
Montero is reportedly the founder of a consultancy and sports management company, with clients like La Liga, UEFA, the RFEF, and Atletico Madrid.
So, it looks like evidence is being gathered, and in the meantime, MARCA reports that Montero has been pulled from his refereeing duties by UEFA. He won’t be officiating until his current case wraps up.
It’s still early in the investigation, but Montero might be looking at a hefty fine of €100,000 and a five-year ban from refereeing. Officials really need to steer clear of any side interests that could get in the way of their professional duties.
The RFEF has released a statement.
Before the investigation into his business kicked off, the RFEF had backed Montero despite the online abuse he faced.
“The professional referees are really upset about the attacks and threats that our colleague Jose Luis Munuera Montero is getting on social media,” a statement said.
“These attacks just pile on the hatred and verbal violence we deal with every weekend in our jobs, and unfortunately, in the lower categories, it often escalates to physical violence.”
After hearing about the investigation Montero is going through, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola asked fans and the media to “Leave him alone.”
