Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has labelled Jude Bellingham’s actions as “disrespectful” after the England midfielder was sent off for dissent during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna on Saturday.
Bellingham was shown a straight red card in the 39th minute for allegedly saying something offensive to referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero. The 21-year-old later insisted the incident was a “misunderstanding” and that he did not insult the referee, a claim supported by his manager Carlo Ancelotti.
However, Flick voiced his disapproval, saying, “It is disrespectful, but I’m not the one who should comment on it. That’s what I’ve always told my players – why waste time and energy arguing with the referee over his decisions?”
Flick added, “There is a player, who is the captain, who has the right to argue with the referee. I don’t like the behaviour I saw. It’s a weakness when you get a red card.”
Bellingham’s only previous red card for Real Madrid came after a 2-2 draw at Valencia in March 2024, when he received a second yellow for complaining to the referee after the final whistle.
After Saturday’s match, Bellingham explained that he was frustrated with himself and had not intended to insult the referee. “He believed I said something insulting to him. There was no intent to insult him, and I think it was a misunderstanding,” Bellingham said.
Ancelotti also clarified that Bellingham had used an expletive in English, which the referee mistakenly interpreted as being directed at him.
The draw left Real Madrid one point ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid in the table. Meanwhile, Barcelona, under Flick, could move to the top of the table on goal difference if they defeat Rayo Vallecano on Monday.