Bellingham 'breaks obscure LaLiga rule every time he plays for Real Madrid'

Jude Bellingham is reportedly breaching an obscure LaLiga rule every time he sets foot on the pitch for Real Madrid - and he won't be stopping any time soon.

The 20-year-old rules the roost at the Bernabeu and is the top scorer in Spain's top division with 13 goals since his £113million summer switch from Borussia Dortmund.

Former Madridista Gareth Bale, who had a trophy-laden eight seasons at the club, has already offered advice to Bellingham in telling him to play the media's 'game' there.

But it appears Bellingham has taken a leaf out of Bale's book of his own volition.

Bellingham plays with holes slashed into the back of his socks, a popular choice for Bale and other stars - but as AS points out, doing so is actually banned in LaLiga.

That's not stopping other stars from following suit. Real Madrid team-mate Brahim Diaz revealed he has copied Bellingham's habit, which he has had for a few seasons.

The reason players do it is not to make a bohemian fashion statement, but for medical purposes.

Footballers chop holes in their stockings to make them looser. The tighter socks can reduce blood flow, leading to cramps.

Therefore, LaLiga's officials graciously overlook it when players skip on the foul side of their draconian law... which begs the question: why have the rule?

Bukayo Saka and Conor Gallagher are other proponents of this medical advancement, opting for a more liberal feel on their calves.