Jude Bellingham, a star for Real Madrid, was sent off in the 39th minute of his team’s La Liga match against Osasuna for allegedly arguing with referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero. Carlo Ancelotti’s team was at a numerical disadvantage for most of the match as Los Blancos were held to a 1-1 draw.
While early footage of the dismissal left supporters perplexed as to why the decision was made, recently released film appears to shed light on the conversation that preceded Bellingham’s early departure, along with his explanation. It seems the Englishman’s colourful language returned, despite a professional lip-reader’s assertions that he avoided using profanity.
But unlike last week, when the 21-year-old was heavily criticised after pitchside mics captured his X-rated tirade at an assistant referee, Bellingham’s annoyance does not seem to have been aimed at the authorities this time.
What Jude Bellingham Said To Receive Red Card
The England star has a mouth like a trucker
According to Fabrizio Romano, following Saturday’s stalemate in which Carlo Ancelotti’s team was unable to increase their lead over second-place Atletico Madrid to four points, the Los Blancos manager stated:
“I believe Jude Bellingham’s English was not understood by the referee. “F*ck off, not f*ck you,” he said. That is very different. “I want to be on the bench next week, so I won’t talk about the referee any more.”
According to fresh perspectives on the event, he was acting appropriately. According to video made public by the Spanish television network Movistar, the England international seems to remark, “I am talking to you with respect,” before turning away and saying, “F*** off.” Watch the video below:
"I'm talking to you with respect, f*** off"
Via @MovistarFutbol pic.twitter.com/5coIZLN1V5
— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) February 15, 2025
Bellingham claims that he spoke to himself rather than the officials during the last portion of his chat with Jose Luis Munuera Montero. He asserted: “I turned away after saying the words to myself (F**k off), not to the referee. When the referee claims I insulted him, even though I obviously didn’t, it’s challenging. I’m relieved that the films, which contradict the match report, are available as proof.
🚨🚨Jude Bellingham: “I said the words to myself (F*ck off), not to referee, I already turned away. It’s difficult when the referee says I insulted him, when I clearly didn’t. I am glad the videos are out as evidence, which goes against the match report.” pic.twitter.com/nOFhilez9w
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 15, 2025
Ancelotti will be without the midfield player for their trip to Girona the following week if the punishment is upheld. However, Bellingham will be eligible for selection in Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off round second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday as they attempt to maintain a 3-2 aggregate lead, given that he was awarded a red card in domestic competition.
