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Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti
A forensic lip reader has 'revealed' what Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham said to referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero before being sent off in their La Liga clash against Osasuna.
Bellingham was perplexed in the 38th minute of Saturday's game, when Montero brandished a straight red card for apparent dissent.
At the time, Real Madrid boasted a one-goal advantage thanks to Kylian Mbappe but after going down to 10-men, Los Blancos walked away from the Estadio El Sadar with a point following a penalty from Ante Budimir.
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Speaking after the full-time whistle, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti gave an insight into why Bellingham was sent off as he suggested a misunderstanding between player and referee.
“I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English," Ancelotti said, 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."
Bellingham, who risked punishment earlier this month, when he swore at an official, also commented on the controversial incident as he played down "insulting" the 41-year-old referee.
He said: “I never insulted the referee, I’m glad to see there are the videos to show the reality despite the referee’s report. I’m here to apologise to my teammates as I put them in a difficult situation today."
The England international was sent off for a simple protest to the referee, according to forensic lip reader Nicola Hickling.
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Speaking to Jeff Bet, Hickling claimed that Bellingham said the following after running up to the official: “Throw in, it’s a throw in."
Moments later, Jose Luis Munuera Montero proceeded to show a red card, saying: “You’re out. Get off” – with the Real Madrid midfielder's only reply being “What” with a shocked expression.
The latest incident comes after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez called for the Spanish FA to bring in referees from the Premier League to improve the standard of officiating in La Liga.