Carlo Ancelotti has leapt to Jude Bellinghamâs defence after the midfielderâs sending off in the wake of Real Madridâs 2-2 draw with Valencia, insisting he did not aim âany kind of insultâ at the referee.
Bellingham appeared to have headed home a dramatic winner to seal all three points for Madrid deep into stoppage time at the Mestalla, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano had already blown his whistle to signify full-time.
Vinicius Jr had earlier fired in a double to drag the visitors back into the La Liga clash after Hugo Duro and Roman Yaremchuk both netted in the space of three minutes to give Valencia a two-goal lead.
Tensions boiled over as it became clear that Bellingham had not won the game for Madrid and the 20-year-old sensation â Los Blancosâ top scorer this season â was shown a straight red card for his animated protestations.
Bellingham supposedly yelled, âItâs a f***ing goal, the ball is in the air! What the f*** is that?!â, in Manzanoâs face and the official referee report claimed the England international had shown an âaggressive attitudeâ.
The youngster could therefore be slapped with a two or three-match suspension in La Liga, which would see him miss the league leadersâ upcoming matches with Celta Vigo, Osasuna and Athletic.
However, Madrid are expected to appeal the verdict, with Ancelotti disputing Manzanoâs claims ahead the second leg of his sideâs Champions League round of 16 clash with RB Leipzig â which Bellingham is eligible to play.
âI donât need to talk to Bellingham,â the Madrid boss told reporters in the build-up to the Bernabeu clash.
âHe is a player who tries to give everything on the field.
âI think the red card was wrong. He was frustrated but he didnât make any kind of insult.â
Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga echoed his managerâs comments, saying: âI donât know how Bellingham received a red card. It was very strange. Very, very strange.â
Madrid are strong favourites to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals after Brahim Diazâs stunning goal at RB Leipzigâs Red Bull Arena gave them a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg.
But Ancelotti insists the tie is far from over and hopes his players are able to reach their âbest levelâ from minute one at the Bernabeu.
âIt is an important opportunity to continue in a special competition for us,â the Italian explained.
âWe have to bring out our best version because the tie is not over. We have to play at our best level from the first minute to the end.â
According to Ancelotti, RB Leipzig still pose a âvery dangerousâ threat to their chances in Europeâs premier competition this season.
âWe have evaluated the first leg, the good things and where we can improve. I think we are prepared and that we are going to show improvement,â he added.
âThey are a very dangerous team in transitions. The game has to be complete to be able to pass the test.â
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