Fans have slammed Jude Bellingham for his apparent mind games before Bukayo Saka's penalty miss during Arsenal's 2-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid.
The England midfielder was caught whispering in his international team-mate's ear moments before Saka stepped up to take a spot-kick at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
Bellingham's actions have sparked outrage on social media, with supporters questioning his sportsmanship during the high-stakes European encounter.
Arsenal's star winger Saka scored the crucial first goal of the match, beautifully chipping over Thibaut Courtois to put the Gunners 4-0 up on aggregate.
Fans have slammed Jude Bellingham for his apparent mind games before Bukayo Saka's penalty miss during Arsenal's 2-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid
BBC
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior quickly pulled one back for the hosts.
Gabriel Martinelli then capped off what would become a famous victory over the reigning Champions League holders.
The 5-1 aggregate scoreline secured Arsenal's progression to the semi-finals, where they will face PSG.
The penalty incident occurred after referee Francois Letexier pointed to the spot following a VAR review for Raul Asencio's pull on Mikel Merino.
Martin Odegaard initially picked up the ball, appearing ready to take the penalty.
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What did he say?!
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 16, 2025
Jude Bellingham had some words for Bukayo Saka before Arsenal’s penalty. #BBCFootball #UCL pic.twitter.com/zgtyd9vsw0
However, Saka was waiting inside the D to take the spot-kick instead.
As the Arsenal winger prepared, Bellingham approached him, whispered something in his ear and placed his hand on Saka's shoulder.
The 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder seemed to continue with his verbal tactics despite Saka giving no visible reaction.
Whatever was said may have affected Saka, whose attempted Panenka penalty was easily saved by Courtois.
Fans on social media were quick to criticise Bellingham's behaviour during the incident.
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One supporter commented: "He maybe needs to concentrate on his own game for a bit. Barely saw him tonight."
Another wrote: "Boy, he's gone down in my estimation. Really not all that."
Others speculated about what Bellingham might have said, with suggestions ranging from "'I wish I could turn up for the big games. How do you do it?'" to "'Please let me win.'"
Another fan quipped: "'Can you let me know how I can escape from Declan's pocket, Bukayo?'"
Bellingham's frustrations appeared to boil over during the match as he got into a tussle with another England team-mate, Declan Rice.
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The incident highlighted the growing tension for Los Blancos on what proved to be a miserable night at the Bernabeu.
Saka also found himself in a heated exchange, being confronted by injured Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal in a furious half-time bust-up.
Despite these confrontations, Saka and his Arsenal teammates had the last laugh with their comprehensive victory.
Arsenal's impressive 5-1 aggregate victory sets up an exciting Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Bukayo Saka had the last laugh as Arsenal beat Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night
REUTERS
The Gunners will be looking to continue their European campaign after dispatching the reigning champions in convincing fashion.
However, they will face the first leg against PSG without Thomas Partey.
The Ghana international was aware that a yellow card would result in a suspension but still needlessly picked up a booking after getting into an altercation with Antonio Rudiger.
PSG made the last four of the tournament despite losing 3-2 to Aston Villa on Tuesday, with Unai Emery's side putting up a strong fight on the night.
