Why Was Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham Sent Off vs. Osasuna?

The England international received a straight red card in the 39th minute.

Jude Bellingham was sent off against Osasuna. / ESPN+

Referee Munuera Montero showed a controversial red card to Jude Bellingham in the first half of Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Osasuna.

Real Madrid were cruising against Osasuna thanks to an early goal from Kylian Mbappé. With the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie against Manchester City coming midweek, Los Blancos would have hoped to get out of Pamplona with a comfortable victory, but the match took an unexpected turn just on the brink of halftime.

Bellingham was unexpectedly sent off in a perplexing decision that left Real Madrid with 10 men. Check out the decision below.

JUDE BELLINGHAM GETS A RED CARD FOR ARGUING WITH THE REF 😳 pic.twitter.com/3T2RcdtaKK

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 15, 2025

Why Was Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham Sent Off vs. Osasuna?

Bellingham received a straight red card against Osasuna after the midfielder said something in the direction of the referee. Although in the moment it was unclear what the England international said, Montero deemed it enough to send Bellingham off in the 39th minute.

Real Madrid players greatly protested the straight red card, but Montero would not hear it. VAR also did not step in to potentially reverse the decision.

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The referee explained to Luka Modrić that he sent Bellingham off for saying, "F--- you." However, after the match ended in a 1–1 draw, Bellingham and video footage confirmed the midfielder said, "F--- off" to himself after disagreeing with one of the referee's calls.

The decision is just the latest talking point surrounding Real Madrid and La Liga refereeing. The club has vocally opposed the officials ever since Espanyol defender Carlos Romero committed a dangerous tackle on Mbappé that did not result in a red card. Real Madrid also protested the penalty awarded to Atlético Madrid in the Madrid derby, as well as the most recent penalty awarded to Osasuna.

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