Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has criticized Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham for what he described as a “disrespectful” reaction to his red card during Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna in La Liga.
The English midfielder was shown a red card in the 39th minute on Saturday after arguing with referee Jose Munuera Montero. Bellingham, however, denied that he had insulted the referee, claiming it was a “misunderstanding.”
Flick, speaking on Sunday, made his stance clear, saying, “It was disrespectful, it’s not for me to decide (what exactly Bellingham meant) but I tell my players not to waste time or energy talking to the referees. Only the captain is supposed to talk to the referee and picking up a red card like that is bad for his team.”
The incident has sparked debate, with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti defending his player. He suggested that a language barrier may have contributed to the situation. “I think with Bellingham’s red card (the referee) didn’t understand the English well… I don’t think it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti told reporters.
This is not the first time Bellingham has been sent off for dissent since joining Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. His first red card for the club came last March when he confronted referee Jesus Gil Manzano after a 2-2 draw against Valencia.
