Featured Image Credit: La Liga
Topics: Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham
Tom Marshall-Bailey
Jude Bellingham was involved in a heated incident with referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero during Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Espanyol on Saturday night.
Bellingham was one of three Real players who received a caution from the referee for his protests as Carlo Ancelotti's side recovered from a Thibaut Courtois own-goal to win 4-1 at the Bernabeu.
The England star was shown a yellow card just moments before his withdrawal and could be seen cutting a forlorn figure on the bench after his x-rated rant in the closing stages of his performance.
He was visibly furious with the official after he thwarted a Real Madrid counter attack to issue a booking and Bellingham could be seen saying 'you are a piece of s***' as he received his yellow card, as you can see in the clip below.
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Goals from Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, substitute Vini Jr and a late Kylian Mbappe penalty completed Real's comeback.
It was Vinicius' introduction that eventually saw Real over the line as they recovered from Courtois' huge error to move to within a point of early La Liga leaders Barcelona.
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The Brazilian was also booked for his part in showing dissent against the referee but it would not mar his outstanding individual performance as he teed up Rodrygo's goal with a stunning outside-of-the-foot cross before netting himself just 20 minutes after his introduction.
But it was the flashpoint involving Bellingham that dominated social media discussion after the match, with many stunned by the 21-year-old's comments.
"Ref STOPS the play on a Real Madrid counter to go book Bellingham because Jude...got fouled. I wish i was joking," one said.
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Another added: "Give Jude a yellow when we are on a counter attack? That's the third time today."
While a third said: "He's booking Bellingham for getting fouled man this ref is a disgrace."
Despite the controversial incident, Bellingham's performance drew plenty of praise as he was given the player of the match award by SofaScore with 51 out of 60 passes completed, 79 touches and three key passes as he played a key role in Real's comeback win to keep the pressure on their fiercest rivals Barca.
Bellingham and Real will be back in action on Tuesday night when they face Alaves.