Featured Image Credit: MARCA
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, La Liga, Champions League
Josh Lawless
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, La Liga, Champions League
The referee who sent off Jude Bellingham in controversial fashion on Saturday once left Real Madrid furious after appearing to high-five fellow officials after they conceded a goal.
After scoring the winner in a dramatic 3-2 Champions League first leg play-off win against Manchester City on Tuesday, Bellingham received a red card in Real's La Liga draw with Osasuna.
The England international was given his marching orders in the 39th minute for a comment which the official Jose Luis Munuera Montero deemed to be dissent.
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In footage which circulated online, Bellingham was seen in exchange with the referee and appeared frustrated as he vented about a decision made.
However, moments later and Montero showed a red card for the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who had to head down to the tunnel despite various protests.
Real were 1-0 up at the time through a strike from Kylian Mbappe and the 10-men ended up dropping two points after Ante Budimir scored a penalty in the second half.
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Bellingham has been known to use his fair share of expletives on the pitch but was adamant that he did not direct any abusive language to Montero.
"I never insulted the referee, I’m glad to see there are the videos to show the reality despite the referee’s report," Bellingham said post-match.
"I’m here to apologise to my teammates as I put them in a difficult situation today."
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Those connected with Real already have a negative view of Montero over a past incident. In November 2018, he was on VAR duty for Los Blancos' 3-0 defeat to Eibar and his reaction to the opening goal caused an almighty stir.
The goal from Gonzalo Escalante in the 16th minute required a VAR check for a possible offside before it was given. Montero was in the VAR room and footage showed him high-fiving his fellow officials.
While he may have been celebrating the fact he and his team were able to come to the right decision, many questioned Montero's impartiality.
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Later in the season, after he didn't give Real a penalty in a 2-0 loss to Real Sociedad, Real Madrid TV re-shared the footage.
After seeing Bellingham sent off, Carlo Ancelotti defended his player and believes that there was a misunderstanding with Montero as he revealed what the 21-year-old said.
“I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English," Ancelotti said, as per Fabrizio Romano. "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."
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It remains to be seen whether Real will appeal the decision after growing frustrated with recent referee displays.