Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has criticised Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham for showing disrespect after receiving a red card in Saturday’s 1-1 La Liga draw against Osasuna. The England midfielder was sent off after 39 minutes for dissent during a confrontation with referee Jose Munuera Montero.

Bellingham later claimed there was a misunderstanding and denied insulting the official.

“It was disrespectful, it’s not for me to decide (what exactly Bellingham meant) but I tell my players not to waste time or energy talking to the referees. Only the captain is supposed to talk to the referee and picking up a red card like that is bad for his team,” said Flick on Sunday.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti defended his player’s actions.

“I think with Bellingham’s red card (the referee) didn’t understand the English well… I don’t think it’s something offensive.

This marks Bellingham’s second red card since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. His first dismissal occurred last March after disputing with referee Jesus Gil Manzano following a 2-2 draw at Valencia.
Barcelona have an opportunity to match Real Madrid’s points tally at the top of the La Liga table when they face Rayo Vallecano on Monday.