Real Madrid Confidencial Bellingham Caught, What He Told Martínez Munuera After the Penalty: 'The First...'
The referee didn't call a clear penalty on Jude Bellingham with the score tied at zero
Refereeing decisions under Medina Cantalejo's direction continue to generate controversy in LaLiga. Similar situations receive different criteria depending on the team involved. In matchday 32, two almost identical actions were judged unequally.
On one hand, a foul on Dani Olmo in the match between Barcelona and Celta was sanctioned as a penalty. Meanwhile, a very similar action on Jude Bellingham in the Real Madrid – Athletic match went unpunished.
What Happened in the Real Madrid - Athletic Club Match?
With the score tied at Santiago Bernabéu and just minutes before the end, Unai Núñez was involved in a controversial action by hitting Jude Bellingham inside the area. Despite the obviousness of the foul, neither the main referee, Martínez Munuera, nor Cordero Vega from the VAR, considered it an infraction. Both opted to let the game continue, ignoring a possible penalty in favor of Real Madrid that could also have meant a second yellow card for the Athletic defender.
What has caused even more controversy is that a very similar play was sanctioned as a penalty just a day before at Montjuïc. In the match between Barcelona and Celta, with Melero López as referee and Del Cerro Grande in the VAR, a penalty was awarded for a kick by Yoel Lago to Dani Olmo. The action occurred in added time and, after a VAR review, the maximum penalty was granted.
The disparity in criteria is evident and has a direct impact on the outcome of the championship. Another controversial episode starring the referees under Medina Cantalejo's payroll.
Jude Bellingham Claimed the Penalty
None of the Real Madrid players could believe that the referee didn't at least go to the VAR to review the play. Jude Bellingham, quite angry, approached Martínez Munuera to tell him that he had touched the ball first.
"I touched the ball first. I'm the first to touch the ball,"Jude Bellingham told the referee. DAZN's cameras captured the moment, and Martínez Munuera decided to overlook the action.
More posts: