Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham might be suspended for up to 12 matches after receiving a red card during a game against Osasuna.

The referee, Jose Luis Munuera Montero, sent him off in the 39th minute for using offensive language.

Montero claimed that Bellingham told him, “F*** you.” However, the England star insists he only said, “F*** off” in frustration, directing the words at himself rather than the referee.

Madrid has not yet confirmed whether they will appeal the red card. The Spanish FA’s disciplinary code states that any player who insults or offends referees or officials can receive a suspension between four and 12 matches.

If Bellingham gets the minimum ban, he will miss key LaLiga matches against Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, along with the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad. If the maximum 12-match ban is applied, he could miss most of the remaining season.

It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.