Spanish Football Federation Reports Referees Disturbed by Abuse After Bellingham’s Red Card

Spain’s football federation has voiced its dismay at the distressing abuse directed towards Jose Munuera Montero (41), the referee who issued a red card to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (21) during the recent match. The federation highlighted that the incident exemplifies the “hatred and verbal violence” that officials frequently encounter.

Montero interpreted the England midfielder’s comments as foul language aimed at him during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna, resulting in the immediate dismissal. However, both Bellingham and his coach, Carlo Ancelotti, contended that there had been a clear misunderstanding.

“The professional referees are thoroughly appalled by the threats and abuse that our colleague, Jose Luis Munuera Montero, is receiving on social media, which not only target him personally but also extend to his family,” the RFEF stated in a release on Monday evening.

“These incidents contribute to the atmosphere of hostility and verbal abuse that we must endure in our profession every weekend, and regrettably, this often escalates to physical violence in lower divisions.”

Bellingham could potentially face a significant suspension under regulations pertaining to the use of “offensive terms or behaviours” towards referees. However, the player maintains that the officiating error lies with the referee’s interpretation.

“As an English player, I tend to use phrases that come naturally in my language when I’m on the pitch,” he explained to reporters on Saturday.

“There was no insult intended; you can clearly see in the video that it was just an expression aimed at myself, not at the referee. Unfortunately, it appears there was a misunderstanding, and the referee believed I was speaking to him.”