Jude Bellingham signed for Real Madrid in 2023 for a hefty fee. Since the first day of his joining, he has made a lasting impression and has demonstrated to the whole world why he was worth such a high price.
Real Madrid has been in a firing form with Jude acting as the key pillar for them. However, after the setback in their recent match where Bellingham saw a controversial red card, things could start looking different for Madrid. Referee Gil Manzano has now revealed the reason behind making the harsh call on the youngster.
Gil Manzano sheds light on Jude Bellingham red card
On March 2nd, Valencia and Real Madrid, known long-term rivals, faced off in a highly anticipated match. However, the game ended in controversy as Spanish referee Gil Manzano disallowed a crucial Real Madrid goal in the 99th minute and issued a straight red card to their star player, Jude Bellingham.
This decision left Madrid fans in disbelief. After the chaotic scenes subsided post-match, Gil Manzano addressed the situation, offering clarification regarding the decisions he made at the end of the game.
At minute 98:42, Bellingham appeared to score what could have been the winning goal, only for the referee to disallow it as he had blown his whistle just before Jude made contact with the ball. This controversial decision sparked protests from the Real Madrid players, resulting in Joselu receiving a yellow card and Jude Bellingham being shown a straight red card.
Gil gave a very short clarification for the reason behind sending off Bellingham. Gil stated that after the whistle everyone started to protest including Jude. He said that he gave a straight red card to Jude Bellingham for his excessive expulsion of saying, “It’s a fu*** goal.”
With such dramatic scenes unfolding at the end of the match, it’s likely to have effects off the pitch as well. The league leaders, Real Madrid, have now missed a chance to extend their lead over Girona, who are sitting in second place. Girona is now just 6 points behind Real Madrid with one game in hand.
Real Madrid to appeal La Liga to overturn Jude Bellingham red card
After the red card of Bellingham, the Madrid fans as well as players, were left in shock as they all were furious with the decision made by the Ref. As per Goal, the red card for Jude Bellingham will make him miss two of the next matches.
However, it clearly depends on the report by the ref. The decision on Jude Bellingham is likely to be notified to Real Madrid on Wednesday or Thursday.
The controversial decision has left Carlos Ancelotti baffled, and reports suggest that Real Madrid may appeal to La Liga to overturn Jude Bellingham’s red card. Ancelotti emphasized that Bellingham had no intention to insult or abuse the referee, only expressing frustration by saying, “It was a fu**** goal.”
Bellingham has expressed his distress on social media, criticizing the referee in several posts. Even the Real Madrid official website took a jab at the decision, lamenting it as “an unprecedented refereeing decision” that prevented Real Madrid from winning at Mestalla.
Such a high intensity game full of drama is what every football fan enjoys, but only if the decision is not against their team. Real Madrid are favorites to win the League, but this decision can have an adverse effect on their title charge.
Drop your views in the comments and tell us whether the decision by Gil Manzano was justified or not.