Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has defended himself after receiving a red card for dissent during his team’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna. The England international was sent off in the 39th minute following an exchange with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who believed Bellingham had insulted him.
However, Bellingham insisted his words were not directed at the referee but were instead an expression of frustration. “I think you can see clearly in the video, I remember the incident very well, it was an expression I was saying to myself,” Bellingham explained. “I’m not even directing myself towards the referee, but obviously there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed that I’ve said something insulting to him… There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason, I think you can see there was a misunderstanding.”
Real Madrid has been vocal about refereeing decisions in Spain, even writing to the Spanish Football Federation, claiming the officiating system is “rigged.” Bellingham expressed hope that video evidence would support his claim and help him avoid a lengthy suspension.
Referee Munuera Montero stated in his match report that Bellingham appeared to have insulted him, but the midfielder argued that the decision was made without certainty.
“It’s difficult when a referee isn’t sure, to determine that I’ve said something that I haven’t, and as a result, it kind of hinders the team,” Bellingham said. “I only want to make sure that the team knows that I wasn’t irresponsible enough to put them in a situation where I intentionally wanted them to be left with 10, but of course, being involved means that’s the case. I hope that the footage will be reviewed and see that it’s not the same as the report, and that going forward, the federation can keep that into consideration because it’s huge evidence.”
Despite the controversy, Bellingham remained confident in his innocence. “The report, obviously the reason why he sent me off, doesn’t match what I’ve said,” he stated. “So I’m pretty calm in this situation, knowing that I wasn’t in the wrong for saying to myself an expression that I’ve been saying since I was, you know, 16, 17 years old, rightly or wrongly.”
This was Bellingham’s second red card since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. His first red card came in March 2024 after he was dismissed for arguing with referee Jesus Gil Manzano following a 2-2 draw against Valencia. Reflecting on that previous incident, Bellingham admitted it was a different situation, acknowledging his role in the decision.
Madrid’s draw against Osasuna extended their winless streak to three consecutive La Liga matches. The result saw them hold a two-point lead over second-placed Atlético Madrid ahead of their match against Celta Vigo later on Saturday. However, Madrid’s inability to secure victories in recent games has added pressure on the team, particularly as the title race intensifies.
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