Jude Bellingham has apologised after the Real Madrid star was sent off during his side's 1-1 draw with Osasuna on Saturday night.
The LaLiga giants had gone into the showdown hoping to continue their charge towards the league title.
However, after Kylian Mbappe's early goal, Los Blancos were forced to settle for a point with Ante Budimir netting a penalty for the hosts.
In the 39th minute of the match, there was controversy with Bellingham receiving a straight red card for dissent.
Jude Bellingham has apologised after the Real Madrid star was sent off during his side's 1-1 draw with Osasuna on Saturday night
REUTERS
The 21-year-old, who has been nothing short of sensational ever since joining the club in 2023, was sent off after speaking to the referee while his team prepared to take a goal kick.
Bellingham was visibly stunned by the decision to dismiss him, with the England international venting his fury.
The midfielder has since provided an explanation, saying: "I didn't say anything bad to the referee.
"It's clear that there was a communication error.
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"It's an expression like the Spanish one "j***r"… and the consequence is that he left us with one less player.
"It's not an insult, it was an expression for myself."
Bellingham also apologised to his team-mates, rather than the referee, with Real unable to close out the match.
"I'm here to apologise with my team-mates as I put them in difficult situation today," he continued.
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"I never insulted the referee, I'm glad to see there are the videos to show the reality despite the referee's report."
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has also reacted to the incident.
He defended Bellingham, insisting he didn't aim his swearing at the referee, while also saying he was reluctant to say what he really thought due to fears of potentially being punished by the Spanish FA.
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Jude Bellingham was visibly furious after being sent off during Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Osasuna
REUTERS
"I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham's English," said the Italian.
"He said f**k off, not f**k you… that's way different.
]"I won't talk more about the referee as I want to be on the bench next week."
Jude Bellingham has been defended by Carlo Ancelotti after his red card in Real Madrid's LaLiga draw with Osasuna
REUTERS
Fortunately for Real, title rivals Atletico Madrid dropped points - with Diego Simeone's team held to a 1-1 draw by Celta Vigo.
That means Real remain a point above their neighbours, while Barcelona sit in third.
The Catalan giants can, however, draw level with Real on 51 points if they're able to get the better of Rayo Vallecano on Monday night (8pm).
