Referee behind Real Madrid controversy could be hit with huge ban for 'conflict of interest' as formal investigation launched

The referee who sent off Jude Bellingham at the weekend is facing a huge ban after an investigation was opened.

Furious by a decision made by the official in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Osasuna, Bellingham appeared to tell Jose Luis Munuera Montero, "I am talking to you with respect", but then looked to say "F*** off" as he turned away.

He was then quickly shown a red card for what the referee deemed to be apparent dissent.

Afterwards Bellingham insisted he "never insulted the referee" and claims the comment "was an expression to myself", with Carlo Ancelotti adamant that there was a massive misunderstanding.

Bellingham's remark and the meaning behind it is being investigated but it's emerged that Montero is also the subject of a separate probe.

According to AS, as well as being a referee, Montero is said to have founded a consultancy and sports management company which has a number of clients ranging from La Liga, UEFA, RFEF and clubs like Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

RFEF have now opened a formal investigation to determine whether there is a conflict of interest, with a potential punishment of €100,000 euros and a five-year refereeing ban if evidence points towards Montero not following the correct process referees must adhere to.

Jude Bellingham was sent off by Montero on Saturday. Image: Getty

Point 9.1 of the Regulatory Code which referees and key figures must follow, states that relevant persons must not "have secondary interests that may interfere with the fulfillment of their professional obligations."

The Federation's Compliance Committee are not yet close to making a decision and are collecting evidence, as per the report.

Off the back of the red card controversy, Relevo reported that Montero was not appointed to officiate any of the 10 matches during the upcoming La Liga matchweek.

Montero received death threats and abuse for sending off Bellingham, leading to an RFEF statement supporting him.

"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."