Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has called Jude Bellingham’s behavior “disrespectful” after the Real Madrid midfielder was sent off for dissent in their 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday.
Bellingham received a straight red card in the 39th minute for allegedly making an offensive remark to referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero. The 21-year-old later claimed it was a “misunderstanding” and denied insulting the official, a stance backed by his manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
Flick, however, was unimpressed. “It’s disrespectful, but I’m not the one to judge,” he said. “I always tell my players—don’t waste energy arguing with the referee. Only the captain should speak to him. A red card for dissent is a weakness.”
This marks Bellingham’s second dismissal for Real Madrid, following a red card for protesting after the final whistle in a 2-2 draw with Valencia last March.
After the match, Bellingham insisted his frustration was directed at himself, not the referee. Ancelotti later explained that the midfielder had used an English expletive, which the referee misinterpreted as an insult.
The draw keeps Madrid one point ahead of Atletico, while Flick’s Barcelona could take the top spot on goal difference if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
