Jude Bellingham could be facing a significant suspension after receiving a red card for an explicit remark directed at the referee during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
The England midfielder’s dismissal, which was his second for Los Blancos, has sparked debate over the severity of his punishment and the interpretation of his words.
The incident occurred in the 39th minute when Bellingham engaged with referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero, who promptly showed him a red card, much to the disbelief of the player and his teammates.
In his official match report, Munuera Montero stated that the sending-off was due to Bellingham telling him, “F* you.”
If the Spanish Football Federation upholds the referee’s claim, Bellingham could face a lengthy suspension under Article 94 of the Disciplinary Code.
As reported by AS, this rule stipulates that “insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes” carries a penalty ranging from four to 12 matches.
However, if his words are deemed as “contempt or disrespect” rather than outright offensive, the ban could be reduced to just two or three games.
Broadcast footage from Movistar+ showed a close-up of the exchange, with subtitles capturing Bellingham saying, “I’m talking to you with respect,” before allegedly exclaiming “F* off” as the referee reached for a yellow card.
Addressing the situation after the game, Bellingham insisted that there was a misunderstanding, “It’s clear he made a mistake and there was a miscommunication. I remember the incident very well, but I’ve also seen the video, and it doesn’t match the report. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but it was more of an expression like ‘Joder’ (Spanish for ‘F*’), and it’s difficult when a referee isn’t sure to determine when I’ve said something that I haven’t. The result hinders the team.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti also defended his player, highlighting what he believed was an issue with translation, “The referee didn’t understand English well. He said ‘F* off’ and not ‘F*** you.’ He made a mistake in the translation. It’s not something offensive. The red card came out because the referee was a bit tense. I have nothing to say against Bellingham. He did absolutely nothing today to be sent off. The referee made a mistake in the translation, that’s all.”
Bellingham’s case has drawn comparisons to Mason Greenwood, who received a red card in January 2024 while playing for Getafe.
A referee’s report claimed Greenwood had also said “F* you”, but after an official translator was brought in, his punishment was overturned, as it was found that he had actually said: “One, two, three, four, f.”
However, some point to Bellingham’s past behaviour as a factor in the decision. Microphones previously caught him saying “F* you” to a linesman during Real Madrid’s clash with Atlético Madrid, and similar accusations were made against him in matches against Espanyol and AC Milan.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, fluent in English, weighed in on the controversy, “It is a lack of respect in any situation. For me, it is like that, but I don’t have to decide, and it’s not my business. I always tell my players that they don’t have to waste energy saying certain things to the referee. We have a person on the field with the right to speak to the referee, who is the captain. And you have to accept it as it is.”
Madrid fans, however, have pointed to past comments from Cristiano Ronaldo, who explained the cultural difference between England and Spain regarding such expressions,”I played in England for many years, and do you know what the English often say as a normal expression and nothing happens? The English say ‘F* off’ a lot, and the referees don’t say anything, they don’t think you’re attacking them. If you say it here (in Spain), they send you away. You have to be a little flexible and talk.”
With Real Madrid currently leading LaLiga by just one point, Bellingham’s potential absence could have significant implications for the title race. The final verdict on his punishment remains to be seen.
