Spanish FA Condemns Abuse of Referee Following Bellingham’s Red Card Incident
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has issued a strong condemnation of the abuse directed at referee José Munuera Montero after his controversial decision to send off Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
Bellingham received a straight red card for allegedly using foul language, a call that has ignited significant debate among fans and analysts alike. Following the incident, referee Montero has faced harassment on social media, with reports indicating that threats have also extended to his family.
In a statement, the RFEF expressed deep concern over the ongoing harassment, saying, “The professional referees are absolutely repulsed by the attacks and threats that our colleague José Luis Munuera Montero is receiving through social networks. These attacks add to the hatred and verbal violence through which we have to carry out our professional work every weekend, and that in the base categories becomes, even more regrettably, physical violence in many cases.”
Bellingham, facing a potential suspension at a critical time for Real Madrid, defended himself, insisting that his words were misinterpreted. “He believed that I said [something insulting] to him,” the England international explained. “There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason, I think you can see there was a misunderstanding.”
The timing of the incident is particularly troubling for Real Madrid, who have seen their once-comfortable lead in La Liga evaporate. After three consecutive league games without a win, they are now level on points with Barcelona but sit second due to an inferior goal difference. As the team navigates this challenging period, the implications of Bellingham’s potential suspension could be significant.
