Jude Bellingham found himself at the heart of controversy on Sunday as the Real Madrid star was sent off in dramatic fashion during his side’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
The 21-year-old midfielder was shown a straight red card for dissent after approaching referee Munuera Montero to protest a foul call midway through the second half.
Accompanied by captain Luka Modric, Bellingham gestured and turned away, only for Montero to call him back and swiftly brandish the red card leaving the England international in complete disbelief.
According to the referee’s post-match report, Bellingham allegedly directed an expletive towards Montero, reportedly saying, “F**k you.” However, the Madrid midfielder denied this claim, insisting the situation was a miscommunication.
“It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication,” Bellingham told reporters after the match. “I remember the incident very well, but I’ve also seen the video, and it doesn’t match the report.
I hope the footage review can show that what was reported is not accurate. Obviously, we can’t change the result, but I think that going forward, there will be a change.”
Bellingham further clarified that his words were not directed at the referee.
“There was no insult,” he continued. “You can see clearly in the video. It was an expression to myself, not towards the referee.
But obviously, there was a misunderstanding about what he believed I said.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti also defended his player, suggesting that the situation may have been lost in translation.
“He said ‘f*** off,’ not ‘f*** you’ or ‘don’t f*** with me,’” Ancelotti explained. “In Spanish, ‘f*** off’ isn’t considered offensive it’s similar to saying ‘No me jodas’ (which translates to ‘don’t take the p***’ or ‘don’t mess me around’). Strange things have happened in our last three games that everyone has seen.”
Despite going down to ten men, Real Madrid managed to hold on for a draw, keeping them at the top of La Liga for now, especially after Atletico Madrid also settled for a 1-1 result against Celta Vigo.
With Bellingham now facing potential disciplinary action, Madrid will hope the league authorities take a closer look at the footage before deciding on any further punishment.