Reprieve for Jude Bellingham? Carlo Ancelotti hits out at 'exaggerated' two-match ban and confirms Real Madrid have appealed suspension

Bellingham received a red card for dissent after his last-minute winner against Valencia was chalked off as the final whistle had already been blown earlier this month. The England international told the referee, "It's a f*cking goal", was dismissed, and then was hit with a two game-ban - something Ancelotti has confirmed the club are appealing.

Ancelotti told reporters: "Bellingham's sanction? We have appealed because we think the sanction is exaggerated. It was not an insult, the minutes say it. They have evaluated the aggressive way to approach the referee. Bellingham protested, like everyone else. Many do it more exaggerated than him. And nothing else. We think that the sanction is not correct."

Madrid have reportedly appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sportafter the Spanish Football Federation rejected an appeal to reduce his suspension. Incidentally, Bellingham is currently set to miss Madrid's La Liga games against Celta Vigo on Saturday evening and Osasuna next weekend. With Barcelona winning on Friday, Los Blancos' lead at the top is down to five points but they have a game in hand. If they can win these two fixtures without Bellingham, they will be in a strong position to win the title.

While Madrid and Bellingham await the result from CAS, Ancelotti's side host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu looking to go eight points clear at the top of the table. They then face Osasuna before the March international break.