Jude Bellingham’s straight red card in Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw away at Osasuna has sparked controversy in La Liga’s title race. With Barcelona breathing down Madrid’s neck, the drama at El Sadar Stadium on Saturday has intensified debates surrounding officiating in Spain’s top flight.
Madrid players, head coach Carlo Ancelotti, and fans were visibly frustrated with a series of decisions by referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero, which boiled over when Bellingham was sent off in the 40th minute. The club and the English midfielder described the incident as a “miscommunication,” but the referee’s report stated otherwise.
Let’s break down the five key incidents that led to this explosive moment.
1. Second Minute: Vinicius Jr’s Penalty Appeal for Handball
Real Madrid didn’t waste time applying pressure. In the second minute, Vinicius Junior made his first attacking move down the left wing. Charging into Osasuna’s box at full speed, he encountered defender Alejandro Catena, who slid in to intercept. During the tackle, the ball appeared to brush Catena’s left hand — which, crucially, wasn’t planted on the ground. By certain camera angles, it seemed like a clear handball, potentially warranting a penalty..
Vinicius immediately protested, gesturing toward Munuera Montero. Ancelotti, equally incensed, raised his arms in disbelief and looked to the sky, signaling his frustration with the decision. Despite the appeals, the referee waved play on, and Madrid’s early momentum was halted.
2. Eighth Minute: Another Vinicius Jr Penalty Claim Ignored
Minutes later, Vinicius was back in the thick of things. Making another darting run into Osasuna’s penalty area from the right corner, he was clipped by Jon Moncayola’s knee. While the contact appeared minimal, it was noticeable enough for Vinicius to go down. He immediately looked toward the referee, expecting a whistle that never came.
Madrid’s players surrounded the official, voices raised, but Munuera Montero remained unmoved. With two penalty appeals dismissed inside eight minutes, tension on the pitch escalated, and Madrid’s frustration was palpable.
3. 21st Minute: Ancelotti Penalized for Demanding a Penalty
Madrid’s third appeal came in the 21st minute. Fede Valverde’s header struck Osasuna defender Juan Cruz’s hand inside the box, prompting another wave of protests. “It’s a clear penalty,” Ancelotti shouted from the technical area, gesturing toward the referee.
Munuera Montero’s response was swift: a yellow card for the Madrid boss. According to the referee’s post-match report, Ancelotti was booked for “making observations of a technical nature.” In the press conference afterward, Ancelotti held back from saying more: “I don’t want to add any more because I really want to be on the bench for the next game.” His restraint, however, did little to hide his anger over the decisions piling up against his team..
4. 37th Minute: Catena Halts Mbappe’s Breakaway Run
Kylian Mbappe, Madrid’s top scorer with 24 goals in all competitions this season, attempted to double his side’s lead after Brahim Diaz’s through ball split the defense. As Mbappe surged forward, Catena intervened, making enough contact to halt the Frenchman’s run.
Mbappe immediately protested, hitting the ground and appealing for a foul. Catena, unimpressed, gestured for him to get up, accusing the forward of exaggerating the contact. The referee let play continue, further fueling Madrid’s growing sense of injustice.
5. 38th Minute: Bellingham’s Foul Adds to Madrid’s Frustration
Just a minute later, Madrid’s high press led to another contentious moment. Jude Bellingham, eager to regain possession, tackled Ruben Garcia from behind without making contact with the ball. Garcia collapsed under the challenge, prompting Munuera Montero to blow for a foul.
Bellingham’s arms shot up in disbelief. By now, Madrid’s players were on edge, feeling every 50-50 decision was going against them.
40th Minute: Bellingham’s Red Card – A Moment of Miscommunication or Insult?
The breaking point came moments after the foul. Bellingham approached Munuera Montero, attempting to discuss the decision. According to footage captured by Spanish broadcaster Movistar, Bellingham said: “I’m trying to talk to you with respect. F*** off.”
Bellingham later maintained that his words were not intended as an insult toward the referee. However, Munuera Montero took offense, interpreting the comment as directed at him personally. Without hesitation, he produced a straight red card.
Madrid players, shocked, rushed to defend their teammate. Despite their protests, the decision stood. In the official referee report, it was noted that Bellingham said: “F*** you.”
Ancelotti later commented, “The red card to Bellingham is because the referee did not understand English.” This explanation highlighted the confusion but did little to reverse the damage done on the pitch.
Other Controversial Moments in the Match
46th Minute: Garcia Collides with Advertising Boards
Just before halftime, the chaos continued. Madrid defender Fran Garcia contested the ball near the corner flag with Osasuna’s Jesus Areso.
As they battled for possession, Areso shoved Garcia, sending him crashing over the pitchside advertising boards. No foul or card was issued, adding to Madrid’s grievances.
57th Minute: VAR Awards Osasuna a Penalty
While the second half was calmer, controversy wasn’t finished. Eduardo Camavinga, attempting to block a shot from Ante Budimir, handled the ball in the box. VAR intervened, and after a review, Munuera Montero awarded Osasuna a penalty. Budimir converted, securing a 1-1 draw.
Post-Match Reactions: Madrid’s Frustration Boils Over
Dani Carvajal, sidelined with an ACL injury, took to Instagram mid-match with a sarcastic post: “Today we get a red card (with a surprised emoticon).”
Ancelotti, visibly frustrated, hinted at linguistic misunderstandings playing a role in Bellingham’s dismissal. His players echoed similar sentiments, pointing to what they perceived as inconsistent refereeing.
Impact on Madrid and the La Liga Title Race
The 1-1 draw leaves Madrid vulnerable, with Barcelona now having a clearer path in the title race. Bellingham’s suspension could affect Madrid’s upcoming fixtures, and with tensions rising, questions around officiating consistency in La Liga are sure to persist.
What started as a routine away fixture escalated into one of Real Madrid’s most turbulent matches of the season. Five pivotal moments — from denied penalties to Bellingham’s red card — shaped a night filled with controversy. While Madrid’s frustration with refereeing in Spain isn’t new, this match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the flashpoints in the 2024 La Liga campaign.
Read More: UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Play-offs Round-up: Kylian Mbappé’s Hat-trick Propels Real Madrid Forward; PSG Cruise To Victory As PSV and Dortmund Advance
FAQs
Why was Jude Bellingham shown a red card against Osasuna?
Jude Bellingham received a straight red card for allegedly insulting the referee, Jose Luis Munuera Montero. Bellingham claimed it was a “miscommunication,” but the referee’s report stated he used offensive language.
How did Carlo Ancelotti react to Bellingham’s red card?
Carlo Ancelotti expressed frustration, suggesting the referee misunderstood Bellingham’s English. He was also booked earlier for protesting a denied penalty appeal.
How many penalty appeals did Real Madrid have against Osasuna?
Real Madrid had three penalty appeals — two involving Vinicius Jr. and one for a handball by Juan Cruz — all of which were denied by the referee.
What role did VAR play in the Osasuna vs. Real Madrid match?
VAR awarded Osasuna a penalty after Eduardo Camavinga handled the ball, which Ante Budimir converted to secure a 1-1 draw.
How does Bellingham’s red card affect Real Madrid’s La Liga title race?
The 1-1 draw against Osasuna, combined with Bellingham’s suspension, puts Real Madrid’s title challenge at risk, especially with Barcelona closing the gap.
