Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that he does not have any sympathy for Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham after he was sent off for swearing at a referee.
Guardiola’s Warning
Guardiola emphasized that referees should be “left in peace.” Bellingham had scored the winner in Madrid’s 3-2 win over City in the first leg of their Champions League playoff at the Etihad last week. Despite the victory, Bellingham faces Guardiola’s side in the second leg on Wednesday, just days after his dismissal against Osasuna on Saturday.
Bellingham’s Controversy
The England midfielder and Madrid have claimed that he said “f— off” towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero and not “f— you”. Speaking in Madrid on Tuesday, Guardiola said: “My English is good, but I don’t understand the difference between f— off and f— you. But what’s important is the intention, not the insult. The best thing is not to do it and leave the referees in peace.”
Guardiola’s Perspective
Guardiola added, “There have always been decisions. You should ask Jude what his intention was. That’s what matters.”
