With Real Madrid leading 1-0 against Osasuna thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappe, Bellingham was shown a red card by referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero in the 39th minute. ..Continue Reading
Bellingham, who had scored the winner against Manchester City earlier that week, was incensed by the referee’s decision, and Montero perceived his reaction as dissent.
Footage from Spanish TV appeared to show the former Borussia Dortmund player first saying to Montero, “I am talking to you with respect,” but then seemingly uttering “F*** off” as he turned away.
While Bellingham admitted to using an expletive, he maintained that he “never insulted the referee” and claimed it was “an expression to myself.”
Manager Carlo Ancelotti supported Bellingham, suggesting that there was a misunderstanding between the player and the official.
“I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English,” Ancelotti said after the 1-1 draw, as per Fabrizio Romano. “He said f*ck off, not f*ck you… that’s way different. I won’t talk more about the referee as I want to be on the bench next week.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has previously mentioned that Spanish officials react differently to profanity, but Jude Bellingham is known for his colorful language on the field.
Bellingham had a heated outburst at the linesman against Atletico Madrid, and his first red card for Real Madrid came when he swore while protesting the referee’s decision to blow the whistle just before Los Blancos scored against Valencia.
Earlier this season, during a 4-1 win over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu in September, Bellingham seemed to insult referee Montero.
Bellingham received a booking during the game, and in a widely circulated video, he appeared to call Montero “a piece of s***.”
After an unsuccessful appeal for his outburst in the Valencia game last season, he was banned for two matches.
However, reports suggest that for this latest incident, the maximum punishment could be a massive 12-game suspension, depending on whether his words are interpreted as an insult or a sign of disrespect.
La Liga rules state: “Insulting, offending or using insulting terms or attitudes towards the main referee, assistants, fourth referee, directors or sports authorities, unless it constitutes a more serious offence, will be punished with a suspension of four to twelve matches.”
