Bellingham’s only previous dismissal for Real came after the final whistle in a 2-2 draw at Valencia in March 2024, when he received a second yellow for complaining to the referee.

After Saturday’s game, the former Birmingham City player said he was expressing his frustration at himself.

“He’s believed that I’ve said [something insulting] to him,” added Bellingham. “There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason I think you can see there was a misunderstanding.”

Ancelotti said Bellingham had used an expletive in English, but the referee mistakenly thought it was directed at him.

The draw meant Real Madrid remained one point clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid in the table.

But Flick’s Barcelona side can go top on goal difference if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Monday.