Real Madrid battled back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday night.
Real Madrid’s fortunes could have been vastly improved if Jude Bellingham’s header in the 99th minute had been allowed to count.
Referee Jesus Gil Manzano ended the game just as Brahim Diaz was delivering the cross for Jude Bellingham’s effort, leading to a contentious moment.
The Real Madrid players, especially Bellingham, expressed their frustration at the decision, with Bellingham receiving a straight red card for his protest.
Jude Bellingham dramatic night
Jude Bellingham was given his second career sending off after protesting referee Gil Manzano’s controversial decision to rule out what would have been a dramatic late winner.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted that Bellingham did not insult the referee after the match. “He didn’t insult the referee. He was respectful. He spoke in English and just said: ‘It was a f***ing goal’,” Ancelotti said
Speaking to the media post-match, Carlo Ancelotti revealed exactly what Bellingham said to Gil Manzano in order to be sent off, as per Marca.
“Bellingham told him ‘it’s a f*cking goal’, he didn’t insult him. We will see what the referee writes in the act.”
Fabrizio Romano also posted Bellingham comments on his X handle
“It’s a f*cking goal, the ball is in the air. What the f*ck is that”, Bellingham said to referee Gil Manzano.
He’s been sent off. 🛑🏴 pic.twitter.com/F315n2XTBU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 2, 2024
Bellingham is facing suspension for his next league fixture against Celta Vigo due to his red card, yet reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid are considering appealing the decision.
Ancelotti expressed clear frustration over the decision to disallow Bellingham’s goal, although he made an effort to maintain a diplomatic tone when discussing the situation.
“What to say, there is not much to say. Something unprecedented has happened. The players are angry, but we all have to calm down.”
According to mirror, Graham Hunter had a different view on the disallowed goal.
La Liga TV co-commentator Graham Hunter insisted the referee was right to disallow Bellingham’s goal. “It [the whistle] had gone before the ball gets played in, it was loud enough to hear over the clamour,” Hunter said.
“In this instance, Madrid can complain all they want, but the whistle had gone. At half time, it was Valencia roaring [when the whistle was blown]. This is wrong. The referee is not obliged to wait because there’s a good chance coming.
“He wasn’t in the first half and he isn’t now. The whistle is blown before the cross goes in, the goal cannot stand. It’s unfortunate for the Englishman [Bellingham], it’s finished so so well but the referee had blown. No question of any double dealing whatsoever.”
The draw against Valencia gives Girona and Barcelona a chance to close the gap on Real Madrid as they play their matches on Sunday.
Real Madrid will be hoping that the controversial incident involving Bellingham’s disallowed goal doesn’t end up being decisive in the race for the La Liga title this season.