“I hope they didn't take his license plate” – Carlo Ancelotti confirms third appeal for Jude Bellingham's suspension

On Friday, it was reported that the Competition Committee of the Spanish Football Federation had rejected a second appeal from Real Madrid on the two-game suspension given to Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old was sent off after last weekend's controversial draw with Valencia for approaching referee Jesus Gil Manzano “in an aggressive manner”.

It has since been reported that Los Blancos have taken up the matter with the Sports Administrative Court (TAD) in Spain, as they aim to have Bellingham's suspension removed, or at least reduced. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Celta Vigo that another appeal has been lodged – quotes via AS Diary.

“We are appealing because we think the penalty is excessive. It was not an insult as the referee's report says. They evaluated the aggressive way of approaching the referee. I hope they did not take your license plate. Bellingham has protested, like everyone else. Many do in a more exaggerated way than him.. We think that the suspension is not correct.”

Ancelotti also noted that Bellingham's absence against Celta would be significant.

“We lost the presence in the box from the second line, which made the difference in the league.”

Bellingham certainly was Real Madrid the most influential player this season, and they struggled when he was absent. They will hope that is not the case against Celta as they aim to take another step towards the League title.