Real Madrid star Bellingham was sent off after a clash with official Munuera Montero, who he again took aim at after the game.
Jude Bellingham spoke to the media about his red card in Real Madrid’s draw away to Osasuna. In a calm manner, the Englishman sought to clarify what he said to official José Luis Munuera Montero during the game in Pamplona that led to his direct red card.
According to Spanish broadcaster Movistar+, Bellingham reportedly said to Munuera Montero, “I’m talking to you with respect, fuck off.”
Bellingham on referee comments
“You can see in the video that it’s just an expression for me. It’s clear that the mistake was due to a misunderstanding. There was no intention to insult, there was no insult. It was clearly a mistake by the referee. I remember everything very well, and what’s shown in the video doesn’t match the official report. I don’t want to go into details about what was said, but it’s an expression like ‘joder!’”.
By referring to the Spanish term, Bellingham was seemingly attempting to indicate his use of the phrase “fuck off” was down to his annoyance at the situation, not an insult aimed at the referee.
“It’s difficult because when the referee isn’t sure and says I said something I didn’t, it hurts the team. I just want to clarify that the team knows I wasn’t irresponsible enough to intentionally put them in a situation with ten men. But of course, being part of this situation, it seems like I did.”
Hope of red card being overturned
“I hope the footage is reviewed and confirms that what happened isn’t what’s in the report. If so, I hope the Federation takes it into account because the footage is clear evidence. Obviously, we can’t change the result of the match, but I hope that once the footage is reviewed, there will be some change.”
Bellingham’s second sending-off for dissent
Bellingham was also asked about other incidents in which he has been captured arguing with, and seemingly using profanities towards, referees. Last season, he was also sent off for dissent in a draw away to Valencia.
“You have to understand that players are on the field with a lot of emotions. When they’re on the field, emotion can bring out the best in you, but in other cases, it can bring out something worse.”
Spanish refereeing
“These incidents tarnish the quality of refereeing in Spain.”