New Delhi: Spain Football Federation (RFEF) stated that the referees were upset with the abuse Jose Munuera Montero had received after showing Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham a red card highlighting yet again the pressure and hatred the match officials had to endure. Montero was under the impression that the English midfielder had used foul language towards him during Real’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna and showed him a red card.
However, both Bellingham and Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had said that the official was mistaken. RFEF on Monday issued a statement where they said that they were “repulsed” by the attacks and threats towards Montero on social media. The abuses and threats were targeted towards him and his family as told by RFEF.
In their statement, they noted that it was with these types of verbal violence that the officials perform their duties which in the lower levels of football sometimes can turn into physical attacks.
Jude Bellingham’s statement on recent red card
🚨⚪️ Jude Bellingham: “I never insulted the referee, I’m glad to see there are the videos to show the reality despite the referee’s report”.
“I’m here to apologize with my teammates as I put them in difficult situation today”. pic.twitter.com/Dki6ZUPhHb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 15, 2025
Bellingham is looking at a lengthy ban under regulations for his verbal language used towards the match official though the 21-year-old has said that it was a miscommunication. Bellingham after the game did note that being an English player some expressions do happen to come to him instinctively and there was no intention of insulting the official in any way. In fact Bellingham noted that the abuse wasn’t directed towards the referee.
The controversial decision that saw Bellingham sent off the field has now resulted in Madrid being placed second in the La Liga table behind Barcelona, both tied with 51 points. Many Madrid supporters were enraged by Montero’s decision especially after recent games against Espanyol and Atletico saw few calls go against them, which has resulted in Los Blancos losing on a few points.o losing a few points.
This won’t be the first time that Bellingham has been sent off for foul language after his verbal comments earned him a red card against Valencia in March 2024. When asked if Ancelotti would be talking to Bellingham for his actions in Osasuna, the Madrid coach replied that it was a miscommunication and the referee didn’t understand the English expression.
RFEF have stated that all referees found the recent abuses against match official Jose Munuera Montero disconcerting after sending off Jude Bellingham for foul language. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
