Carlo Ancelotti was furious with the decision to send Jude Bellingham against Osasuna over a dispute on Saturday.
Real Madrid was frustrated as the points fell again, with Bellingham’s controversial red card proving that it was the important point of speech.
Los Blancos had taken a premature lead, but struggled to find a second goal, despite the fact that he had three strong penalty appealing by the referee.
Their frustration was boiled in the 39th minute when Bellingham showed a straight red card to shout “f*ck you” to the referee, as Real Madrid was about to get a kick.
The decision shocked fans and players, with director Carlo Ancelotti later shed light on what led to dismissal.
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti explained: “I think the referee didn’t understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*ck off, not f*ck you … that’s very different.
“I will not talk more about the referee as I want to be on the bench next week.”
🚨🚨jude Bellingham: “I said the words to myself (f*ck off), not to referee, I have already turned away. It is difficult when the referee says I offend him, when I did not clearly. I am glad the videos are out as proof, which contradicts the race. pic.twitter.com/nofhilez9w
– Madrid zone (@themadridzone) Feb 1525
Bellingham himself reiterated his director’s feelings, insisting that a misunderstanding played a key role in his mission. He argued that his words were not intended as an insult.
“I didn’t say anything bad to the referee,” Bellingham said. “It is clear that there was a communication error.”
“It’s an expression like the Spanish” Joder “… And the consequence is that it left us with a less player. It is not an insult, it was an expression for myself.”
Although it held the lead of 1-0 by the half, Madrid’s numerical disadvantage proved to be expensive in the second half.
Osasuna was awarded a sentence in the 58th minute after the delayed challenge of Eduardo Camavinga and Ante Budimir turned from the point to make it 1-1.
Visitors were unable to restore their advantage, settled for a disappointing draw that allowed the titles of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona the opportunity to close the gap.
After the match, Bellingham apologized to the referee, but to his teammates to put them in a difficult position.
“I’m here to apologize to my teammates as I put them in a difficult situation today,” he admitted.
“I never offend the referee. I am glad to see that there are videos that show reality despite the referee’s reference.”
With the heating title match, Real Madrid will hope to put this controversy behind them and return to the ways of victory in the huge Champions League return to Manchester City.
