Carlo Ancelotti addressed Real Madrid’s escalating tensions with LaLiga referees, stating, “We’re clearly unhappy with the situation—what happened against Osasuna, what happened against Atletico. It’s been three matches now where we’ve been negatively impacted by decisions that we still can’t comprehend. I simply don’t understand it.”
Carlo Ancelotti said he was hopeful of Jude Bellingham avoiding a ban for abusing referees as he took another swipe at the standard of officiating in LaLiga.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s crucial Champions League play-off with Manchester City, Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference was dominated by questions surrounding Bellingham and Real’s ongoing feud with the Spanish authorities about the quality of refereeing in its top flight.
Bellingham, who netted the dramatic late winner in the first leg of Real Madrid’s playoff victory at the Etihad last week, was handed a straight red card in the first half of their 1-1 draw with Osasuna on Saturday. This incident marks the latest in a series of controversial moments the club believes they have faced in recent weeks.
Earlier in February, Real Madrid escalated their frustrations by sending a formal letter to the Spanish FA following a 1-0 loss to Espanyol. The decisive goal was scored by Carlos Romero, who Real argued should have been sent off earlier for a late challenge on Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham protests to the referee after being shown a red card against Osasuna
The club was further angered by a VAR decision that awarded a penalty to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid, resulting in a 1-1 draw in the Madrid derby just a week later.
“I’ve already shared my views on what has happened and what continues to happen,” Ancelotti said when asked about his latest thoughts on refereeing in Spain. “The situation is quite surprising, and I have nothing more to add.
“Clearly, we’re not happy with the situation—what happened against Osasuna, what happened against Atletico. It’s been three matches now where we’ve been negatively affected by decisions that we still can’t make sense of. I simply don’t understand it.”
