Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the x-rated message that got Jude Bellingham controversially sent off as Real Madrid stumbled to a draw with Osasuna.
After taking an early lead, Los Blancos had reached the end of their tether when searching for a second, having seen three strong penalty claims waved away by the referee.
Frustrated by the officiating, Bellingham appeared to voice his dissatisfaction to the referee directly as Real Madrid prepared to take a goal kick in the 39th minute - only for the ref to show the Englishman a straight red for dissent.
A bizarre dismissal that left Real Madrid fans apoplectic, manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed what Bellingham told the referee to earn an early bath.
Speaking after the match at El Sadar, the Italian said: 'I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham's English. 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 has gone on to echo Ancelotti's reaction to the sending off, insisting that it was misunderstanding that was key to the sending off.
And while his outburst may have not harnessed the smartest choice of words, Bellingham says he intended no personal insult to the referee.
'I didn’t say anything bad to the referee,' the England international said. 'It’s clear that there was a communication error.
'It’s an expression like Spanish one ‘joder’… and the consequence is that he left us with one less player.
'It’s not an insult, it was an expression for myself.'
The decision proved the turning point in the contest, with 10-man Real Madrid succumbing to increased pressure from Osasuna as the game continued.
While they made it to the break without conceding, the referee would once again be at the heart of Real Madrid's woes in the second half.
On 58 minutes, the ref finally pointed to the spot at El Sadar - but it was in favour of the hosts, awarded a spot-kick after a late challenge for Eduardo Camavinga.
Osasuna frontman Ante Budumir tucked home from the spot to make it 1-1 - a scoreline the hosts would preserve for the remainder of the game, denying league leaders Real Madrid a crucial three points on the road.
With the numbers game playing its part in Los Blancos' poor result, Bellingham has expressed his apologies to his teammates - not the referee - for his outburst.
'I’m here to apologize with my teammates as I put them in difficult situation today,' he added.
'I never insulted the referee, I’m glad to see there are the videos to show the reality despite the referee’s report.'
The result provides Atletico Madrid and Barcelona with a gilt-edged opportunity to leapfrog the Galacticos in the table, with Atletico facing off against Celta Vigo on Saturday evening before the Blaugrana host Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Puzbdelop
60
Bellingham must be smart enough and have the discipline not to use the F word again in any form it may be.
Nataimr
44
Am a madridiata, but Carlo willl u be happy if ur opponent player used such word for u . ? F**k is not a good word to use . Even if it wasn't directed to the referee . Jude has been disrespecting referees for sometime now . Let's teach the young once to respect in spite of the huge money they make . What is right is right . Jude was wrong if he actually used that word .
AngelBluebest
39
he shouldve just kept his mouth shut. his problem🤷♂️🥳
Tamislive
32
Jude prompted the same sort of thing to the lines man last matchday too, it was audible through the mic. placed near the sidelines.
Romadekopt
25
Mark of indiscipline. What an audacious player. He wasn't the captain and not the assistant to have confronted the ref harshly. Character deficient.
wutbcdinrz
23
Ancelleti should go and say “f… off” when speaking with someone in the UK or the United States and see what their reaction is. No one will take it as inoffensive. No one. I cannot even believe that this conversation is taking place.
BlackJB
21
He did the same thing during Athletico match,but the linesman didn't hear him he did the same today. Someone has to put a stop to all this useless attitudes
Cekadikoy
9
Bellingham deserve it, he has been doing that in all matches.