REVEALED: What Bellingham said to referee Gil Manzano to provoke controversial red card against Valencia

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham against Valencia | Imago

FOOTBALL REVEALED: What Bellingham said to referee Gil Manzano to provoke controversial red card against Valencia

REVEALED: What Bellingham said to referee Gil Manzano to provoke controversial red card against Valencia

Ayoola Kelechi • 05:18 - 03.03.2024

Jude Bellingham saw the first red card of his Real Madrid career after challenging the referee's decision during Los Blancos' controversial draw against Valencia

Real Madrid's clash with Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday night ended in a contentious 2-2 draw, marred by a controversial decision that saw Jude Bellingham receive a straight red card in the dying moments of the game. 

The English midfielder's red card came after he uttered a few choice words to referee Jesus Gil Manzano regarding a disallowed goal.

The Crucial Moment: Bellingham's Disallowed Goal

In the 99th minute of the match, Bellingham thought he had secured a dramatic late winner for Real Madrid with a header. 

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However, referee Gil Manzano blew the full-time whistle just as the ball was delivered into the box, prompting frustration from the Real Madrid players, particularly Bellingham who subsequently got sent off for his complaints.

Ancelotti Reveals Bellingham's Words

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti shed light on the incident during the post-match press conference, disclosing the exact words spoken by Bellingham to Gil Manzano. According to Ancelotti, Bellingham told the referee, "it's a fcking goal," expressing his frustration at the decision.

Reports following the match corroborated Ancelotti's account, confirming that Bellingham indeed used expletives to express his disbelief at the disallowed goal. Journalist Fabrizio Romano provided further insight into the incident, detailing Bellingham's heated exchange with the referee. He posted a message on his X account, which read, “It’s a f*cking goal, the ball is in the air. What the f*ck is that”, Bellingham said to referee Gil Manzano. He’s been sent off.”

Ancelotti's Reaction

While Ancelotti expressed his disappointment with the decision, he maintained a diplomatic stance, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the situation. Despite the frustration among the players, Ancelotti urged everyone to remain calm in the aftermath of the controversial call.

The draw against Valencia not only denied Real Madrid a crucial victory but also allowed their title rivals, Girona and Barcelona, an opportunity to close the gap in the La Liga standings. As Real Madrid's title aspirations hang in the balance, the fallout from Bellingham's red card and the disallowed goal could have significant ramifications for the remainder of the season.

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Jude Bellingham Real Madrid Valencia LaLiga