Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham stated his pink card for dissent on Saturday in opposition to Osasuna was a “misunderstanding” and he had not insulted the referee. The England worldwide was dismissed after 39 minutes of Madrid’s 1-1 draw at El Sadar when he exchanged phrases with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who then reached for his pink card. Bellingham stated he was expressing his frustration typically slightly than directing an insult on the official. “I feel you may see clearly within the video, I keep in mind the incident very nicely, it was an expression (I used to be saying) to myself,” stated the 21-year-old.
“I’m not even directing myself in direction of the referee, however clearly there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed that I’ve stated (one thing insulting) to him…
“There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that motive I feel you may see there was a misunderstanding.”
Real Madrid have closely criticised refereeing in Spain in latest weeks, sending a letter to the Spanish soccer federation calling it “rigged”.
Bellingham stated he hoped video proof of what he stated may very well be used to assist him keep away from a major suspension.
In his report, Munuera Montero indicated Bellingham gave the impression to be insulting him.
“It’s tough when a referee is not positive, to find out that I’ve stated one thing that I have not, and in consequence it sort of hinders the staff,” stated Bellingham.
“I solely need to be sure that the staff know that I wasn’t irresponsible sufficient to place them in a state of affairs the place I deliberately needed them to be left with 10, however in fact being concerned implies that’s the case.
“I hope that the footage might be reviewed and see that it isn’t the identical because the report, and that going ahead the federation can maintain that into consideration as a result of it is enormous proof.”
Bellingham stated his conscience was clear after the incident.
“The report, clearly the explanation why he despatched me off does not match what I’ve stated,” he added.
“So I’m fairly calm on this state of affairs, realizing that I wasn’t within the unsuitable for saying to myself an expression that I’ve been saying since I used to be, , 16, 17 years previous, rightly or wrongly.”
It was Bellingham’s second pink card for Madrid since becoming a member of from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, with the primary coming final March after arguing with referee Jesus Gil Manzano following a 2-2 league draw at Valenica.
“I feel the one final yr is a little more tough… I feel I positively put myself in a state of affairs,” Bellingham added.
The draw earned Real Madrid a two-point lead on second place Atletico earlier than they confronted Celta later Saturday, however was Los Blancos’ third consecutive league recreation and not using a victory.
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