UEFA make decision on referee who sent off Jude Bellingham after investigation opened

UEFA have made a decision on the referee who sent Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham off in controversial fashion at the weekend.

Real drew 1-1 with Osasuna in La Liga and Los Blancos were irate over Bellingham's second red card for the club at the end of the first half.

Angry with a decision, Bellingham appeared to tell referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero, "I am talking to you with respect", but then looked to say "F*** off" as he turned away.

The ref deemed his expletive to be apparent dissent, despite Bellingham later claiming it "was an expression to myself" and his explanation being backed up by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Having received vile abuse like death threats, Relevo reported that Montero was not appointed to officiate any of the 10 matches during the upcoming La Liga matchweek.

However, it's emerged that he is under investigation from the Spanish football federation (RFEF) over a potential conflict of interest.

On the side, Montero is said to be the founder of a consultancy and sports management company, of which clients include La Liga, UEFA and the RFEF themselves, as well as Atletico Madrid.

Evidence is being collected and while the process develops, MARCA say Montero has been taken off refereeing duties by UEFA and will not officiate until the conclusion of his current case.

Though it is early days in the probe, Montero could be facing potential punishment of €100,000 and a five-year refereeing ban as officials must not "have secondary interests that may interfere with the fulfillment of their professional obligations".

RFEF issue statement

After widespread abuse online, the RFEF had thrown their support behind Montero prior to the investigation into his business being launched.

"The professional referees are absolutely repulsed by the attacks and threats that our colleague Jose Luis Munuera Montero is receiving through social networks," a statement read.

"These attacks add to the hatred and verbal violence through which we have to carry out our professional work every weekend, and that in the base categories becomes, even more regrettably, physical violence in many cases."

Having heard about the investigation Montero has been subjected to, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola urged fans and media to "Leave him alone