Barcelona coach Hansi Flick criticized Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, calling his reaction ‘disrespectful’ after receiving a red card during the intense 1-1 La Liga clash against Osasuna.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick criticized Jude Bellingham, labeling his actions as ‘disrespectful’ after the Real Madrid star was sent off in a tense 1-1 La Liga draw against Osasuna. The England international saw red in the 39th minute for dissent following a heated exchange with referee Jose Munuera Montero. Bellingham defended himself, claiming it was a ‘misunderstanding’ and that he had not insulted the official. However, Flick remained firm in his stance, stating on Sunday, ‘It was disrespectful. It’s not for me to judge what Bellingham meant, but I always tell my players not to waste time or energy arguing with referees.’
Flick emphasized that only the captain should communicate with the referee, adding that picking up a red card in such a manner hurts the team.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti defended Bellingham, arguing that the referee may have misunderstood his words. ‘I think with Bellingham’s red card, the referee didn’t fully grasp the English… I don’t believe it was offensive,’ Ancelotti told reporters.
This marks Bellingham’s second red card since joining Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, with the first coming last March after a heated exchange with referee Jesus Gil Manzano following a 2-2 draw at Valencia.
Barcelona now has the chance to pull level with Madrid at the top of the table when they take on Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
