Ancelotti says Bellingham was unfairly shown red card after using English expletive to protest

By Canadian Press on February 15, 2025.

PAMPLONA, Spain (AP) — Jude Bellingham was sent off in Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw at Osasuna after he used explicit language while protesting the refereeing on Saturday.

Referee José Luis Munuera marched the England midfielder in the 40th minute of the La Liga game after Bellingham complained about a refereeing decision while gesturing with his arms. The two exchanged words before Munuera pulled out the red card.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his player and claimed that Munuera made a translation error of Bellingham’s use of an English expletive.

“Bellingham didn’t do anything that deserved a sending off,” Ancelotti said. “He said ‘(expletive) off,’ not ’(expletive) you.’ I don’t think that was meant to be offensive.”

Ancelotti had already received a yellow card for complaining about what he thought was a handball by an Osasuna defender in the host’s area that was not punished.

Madrid was winning 1-0 from a goal by Kylian Mbappé when Bellingham ran afoul of the ref.

Two rounds ago, Madrid vehemently complained about refereeing that it claimed favored Espanyol in a loss.

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The Associated Press