Jude Bellingham has found himself at the centre of controversy after accusing referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea of favouring Barcelona during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final defeat.
The England midfielder was caught on camera confronting officials during Saturday's match, which Barcelona won 3-2 after extra time at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
Tensions boiled over in the heated contest with Bellingham eventually receiving a red card after the final whistle.
The incident comes after Madrid's treatment of referees had already been a focal point in the build-up to the final.
Jude Bellingham has found himself at the centre of controversy after accusing referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea of favouring Barcelona during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final defeat
ESPN
Television cameras caught Bellingham raging in the tunnel, with the 21-year-old hitting out at the officiating at half time.
'Make him understand, everything is going their [Barcelona's] way, everything 50-50 goes their way,' Bellingham was heard telling the referee while being led away by Madrid captain Lucas Vazquez.
The confrontation highlighted growing tensions between Real Madrid and match officials in Spanish football.
Barcelona had taken the lead in the first half through Pedri, potentially fuelling Bellingham's frustrations with the officiating.
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"Everything 50/50 going their way" - What a sore loser Bellingham is pic.twitter.com/LiJFjA9zOM
— TFL (@ThatF1Lad) April 26, 2025
De Burgos Bengoetxea's official post-match report to the Spanish Football Federation detailed the disciplinary actions taken against several Real Madrid players.
Regarding Bellingham, the report stated: 'In the 999th minute, player (5) Bellingham, Jude Victor William, was sent off for the following reason: After the end of the match, he approached our position in an aggressive attitude, having to be restrained by his teammates.'
The referee also sent off Vazquez for protesting and 'making gestures of disagreement'.
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Antonio Rudiger's conduct was particularly severe, with the referee's report confirming he was dismissed for "throwing an object from the technical area, which missed me."
The former Chelsea defender had to be restrained by six people, including teammates Ferland Mendy and Jesus Vallejo.
Rudiger later attempted to confront the referee after the final whistle but was stopped by Madrid's goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis and goalkeeper Andrii Lunin.
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Dani Garrido, host of Carrusel Deportivo, condemned Rudiger's behaviour after the match.
"What Rudiger did is unforgivable, and he's going to get a historic ban," Garrido said.
The match itself was a dramatic affair with multiple lead changes throughout.
Jude Bellingham was devastated after Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night
REUTERS
After Pedri's opener, Kylian Mbappe, who started on the bench due to an ankle injury, equalised for Madrid in the 70th minute.
Aurelien Tchouameni then put Carlo Ancelotti's side ahead before Ferran Torres levelled for Barcelona with six minutes left on the clock.
Jules Kounde's superb strike from the edge of the area ultimately sealed Barcelona's victory in extra time, boosting their chances of treble glory in the process.
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