Jude Bellingham returned to the scoresheet in Real Madrid's emphatic Champions League victory over Monaco at the Santiago Bernabeu, and it comes after reports around the England star's personal life
Jude Bellingham's Real Madrid team-mates have made their feelings clear after claims that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was unhappy with his goal celebration in their 6-1 Champions League win over Monaco on Tuesday. The England international scored the sixth goal of the night and celebrated with a drinking gesture.
The 22‑year‑old has been the subject of allegations regarding his personal life, prompting the midfielder to hit back after the game. He said: "A lot of people like to say a lot of things; it feels like anyone can get in front of a camera now and everyone believes it with absolutely no evidence.
"There are two ways to react to it - you can cry about it and moan, or you can enjoy it. I gave a joke back to the fans." He made clear: "I know the truth, and it's nice to have a bit of a joke.
"I've always said that fans work all week, they pay their money and save up to come to Real Madrid games and support us, so they can say what they want."
Bellingham continued: "I don't think it's always helpful for the team, speaking from experience, it's not the nicest thing in the world, but they're entitled to their opinion. This is how we have to react."
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Taking to Instagram after the game, Bellingham posted a picture of his celebration alongside the caption: "Cheers," followed by a beer emoji.
The post received a number of responses from his team-mates, with Vini Junior commenting: "How we love you."
Gonzalo Garcia and Fran Garcia both responded with fire and laughing emojis while Rodrygo, Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger all 'liked' the post.
Nonetheless, Courtois is said to have viewed Bellingham's celebration as an 'unnecessary provocation,' according to Spanish newspaper El Nacional. However, not everyone was convinced by reports that Courtois was unhappy, as he did 'like' Bellingham's post
This comes at a time when Madrid were being booed by their own fans throughout Saturday's 2-0 win over Levante in La Liga, with Bellingham receiving some of the criticism.
Kylian Mbappe stepped in to defend him, saying: "No one doubts Jude Bellingham's quality. He has so much potential. When he's fit, he's one of the best in the world. It's tough, for everyone. We can accept that the fans aren't happy.
"But they should boo everyone, it's not about Jude's foul or one player in particular. It's our job to change the situation. If the fans see that we're putting in the effort, that we're playing well, they'll be back with us."