Real Madrid came within touching distance of clinching a remarkable victory against Valencia on Saturday night, only to have their hopes dashed by a contentious decision from referee Jesus Gil Manzano.
Jude Bellingham’s header hit the back of the net in the 99th minute, but the elation was short-lived as Gil Manzano had already ended the game seconds earlier.
The ruling left Real Madrid furious, particularly Bellingham, who confronted Gil Manzano about his decision. In response, the referee issued a red card to the English midfielder for his reaction, leaving Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti bewildered.
Real Madrid has announced intentions to contest Bellingham’s red card, although currently, he faces the prospect of missing the upcoming match against Celta Vigo.
Should the appeal fail, Bellingham could potentially be sidelined for 2-3 games, as Gil Manzano cited the 20-year-old for approaching him in an “aggressive manner,” according to reports from Marca.
The possibility of Bellingham’s absence is worrying for Real Madrid, and they are eagerly awaiting a favorable outcome from their appeal.
The resolution of this appeal is anticipated in the coming days, carrying significant implications for both Bellingham and the team’s future matches.
The controversy surrounding Gil Manzano’s decision has ignited widespread debate and criticism, with many questioning the referee’s judgment and its impact on the match’s outcome.
Real Madrid fans, players, and officials alike have voiced frustration and disappointment over the turn of events, which has overshadowed what could have been a memorable triumph for the club.
Once again, the incident has highlighted the role of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and the accountability of match officials in modern football.
Calls for increased transparency and responsibility in refereeing decisions have grown louder, as clubs and supporters demand fairness and justice in the sport.
While Real Madrid awaits the appeal’s outcome, they must also concentrate on regrouping and preparing for upcoming matches.
Though Bellingham’s potential absence would be a setback, it presents an opportunity for other players to step up and leave their mark in his absence.
Despite the disappointment, Real Madrid must use their frustrations as motivation to rebound and continue their pursuit of success on the pitch.
