Jude Bellingham was shown a red card during Real Madrid’s La Liga draw with Osasuna on Saturday after confronting referee Munuera Montero, who has now revealed what the England star allegedly said to him
Jude Bellingham could find himself in trouble after allegedly telling referee Munuera Montero “f*** you” during Real Madrid’s La Liga draw with Osasuna on Saturday.
Bellingham was shown the red before half-time in the 1-1 stalemate. Despite the claims, the England superstar insists he didn’t swear at the official and is urging Real to challenge the ban. Referee Montero’s report on the incident has now been released.
In his report, the Spanish ref alleges that Bellingham shouted “f*** you” after a decision went against Madrid. The report adds: “In the 40th minute, the player Jude Bellingham was sent off with a red card for this reason: because he addressed me with insults.”
Bellingham is adamant that the incident was a miscommunication. The 21-year-old midfield is keen for Real to appeal his red card, which could see him suspended for two games.
“It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication,” the England star said post-match. “I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.
“I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence.
“There was no insult. You can see clearly in the video. I remember the incident very well. It was an expression to myself not directed towards the referee. But obviously there was a misunderstanding of what he believes I said to him. It wasn’t an insult at all.
“Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended his player, insisting Bellingham merely said “f*** off” out of personal frustration, not aimed at the ref. “He said f*** off, not ‘f*** you’ and not ‘don’t f*** with me,” the Italian explained.
“Strange things have happened in our last three games that everyone has seen. F*** off in Spanish is not something offensive.
“It’s like ‘No me jodas’ (which translates as ‘don’t take the p***’ or ‘don’t mess me around’). I don’t feel like adding more.”
Kylian Mbappe netted the opener in the 15th minute while Bellingham was still on the field. Without their star midfielder, Ancelotti’s squad couldn’t score a second goal and ended up conceding to Ante Budimir’s spot-kick.
Looking ahead, Real are set for the return leg of their Champions League play-off battle with Manchester City on Wednesday.
Los Blancos hold a 3-2 aggregate lead following an enthralling encounter at the Etihad Stadium last week. Any potential suspension for Bellingham would apply only to domestic matches.