The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has expressed deep concern over the online abuse directed at referee Jose Munuera Montero following his controversial decision to show a red card to Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
In a strongly worded statement released late Monday, the RFEF highlighted how match officials are "absolutely repulsed" by the attacks and threats targeting not only Montero personally but also extending to his family members through social media platforms.
The incident occurred when Montero believed the 21-year-old England midfielder had used inappropriate language towards him during the match. However, both Bellingham and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti have disputed this interpretation, maintaining that the referee misunderstood the situation.
Bellingham, defending his actions, explained that as an English player, he naturally uses expressions in his native language during matches. "There was no insult, you can see in the video right away, it was an expression to myself, I'm not even directing myself towards the referee," the midfielder told reporters following the match. "But obviously there was a misunderstanding. He's believed I've said it to him."
The RFEF's statement went beyond addressing this specific incident, pointing to a broader issue of "hatred and verbal violence" that referees face weekly in their professional duties. The federation particularly emphasized how this problem escalates in lower divisions, where officials often face physical violence.
The controversy could have significant implications for Bellingham, as he potentially faces an extended ban under regulations concerning "offensive terms or attitudes" directed at match officials. The final decision on any disciplinary action remains pending, while the incident continues to spark debate about communication barriers and referee-player interactions in international football.
