Real Madrid vs. Osasuna: World Controversy Erupts Over Bellingham's Red Card and Uncalled Penalties

The La Liga match between Real Madrid and their opponents was marred by a series of controversial decisions from referee Jose Munuera Montero. Throughout the game, several key moments sparked outrage among players, coaches, and fans alike, leading many to question the fairness of the officiating. From uncalled penalties to shocking disciplinary actions, this match will go down as one of the most contentious in recent La Liga history.

Penalties Not Given: A Day of Missed Calls

Real Madrid were left frustrated by a number of key moments where penalties were not awarded despite clear and obvious fouls. Referee Munuera Montero’s failure to award these penalties led to heated arguments on the pitch and left fans and analysts scratching their heads.

Key Missed Penalty Incidents:

1. Mbappé Punched in the Chest: Kylian Mbappé was clearly punched in the chest during a scramble in the penalty area, but no foul was given.
2. Vini Jr. Slapped in the Face: Vinícius Jr. was slapped across the face during a tussle with a defender, yet no penalty was awarded despite the obvious foul.
3. Mbappé Elbowed in the Face: In another moment of aggression, Mbappé was elbowed in the face by an opponent, but once again, the referee chose not to call a foul.

These decisions left Real Madrid feeling aggrieved and questioning the consistency of officiating in La Liga. The lack of action from Munuera Montero raised serious concerns about the fairness of the match.

Jude Bellingham’s Historic Red Card for Protest

One of the most shocking moments of the match came when Jude Bellingham was shown a red card for protesting against the referee’s decisions. Bellingham, who has been a standout performer for Real Madrid this season, became the first player in history to be sent off for dissent in a La Liga match.

What Led to Bellingham’s Red Card:

• Frustration with the Referee: After multiple controversial decisions, Bellingham expressed his displeasure with the officiating. His actions, though fueled by legitimate frustration, were deemed excessive by Munuera Montero.
• Historical Significance: Bellingham’s red card will be remembered as the first-ever red card for protesting a referee’s decisions in La Liga, a moment that further highlighted the tension between the players and the referee.

While some may argue that Bellingham’s actions crossed the line, the underlying frustration with the officiating was clearly evident. The red card only added fuel to the fire of controversy surrounding the match.

Ancelotti’s Booking: A Coach’s Appeal Gone Wrong

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti also found himself in the referee's book during the match. Ancelotti was booked for simply requesting a review of one of the penalty decisions, a move that left many puzzled. The coach’s request for a VAR review was dismissed without any explanation, and he was shown a yellow card for his efforts.

Ancelotti’s Dilemma:

• Simple Request for VAR Review: Ancelotti’s request for a review was based on the clear belief that one of the penalty incidents should be revisited. However, his request was ignored, and he was punished for questioning the referee.
• The Yellow Card: Many argued that a coach’s appeal for a video review should not result in a yellow card, especially when the decisions on the pitch were so controversial.

This booking only intensified the frustrations of Real Madrid’s players and coaching staff, as they felt the referee was becoming increasingly dismissive of their concerns.

Fran García Pushed to the Stands: A No-Card Incident

One of the more baffling moments came when Fran García, a Real Madrid player, was pushed into the stands by an opposing player, yet the referee opted not to show a yellow card for the clear act of aggression. The lack of punishment for this incident added to the growing list of questionable decisions.

The Incident:

• Clear Push into the Stands: Fran García was physically pushed into the stands by an opponent, an act of aggression that could have easily resulted in a yellow card.
• Referee’s Oversight: Despite the obvious foul, Munuera Montero chose not to take action, leaving Real Madrid feeling as though the referee was unwilling to penalize any actions that harmed their players.

Is This La Liga or Not Football?

As the match progressed, it became increasingly difficult for fans and players alike to believe they were watching a top-tier football match. The continuous missed calls, lack of disciplinary action, and questionable decisions ultimately led many to ask: Is this really football, or is this a farce under La Liga’s current officiating standards?

Key Controversial Moments Summary:

• Three Penalties Not Given: Mbappé punched in the chest, Vini Jr. slapped in the face, and Mbappé elbowed in the face.
• Jude Bellingham: First player ever to be sent off for protesting against the referee.
• Carlo Ancelotti: Showed a yellow card for simply requesting a VAR review.
• Fran García: Pushed into the stands with no yellow card given.

The match between Real Madrid and their opponents under Jose Munuera Montero was filled with controversial moments that left everyone questioning the integrity of the officiating in La Liga. From uncalled penalties to disciplinary actions that defied reason, the game became more about the referee’s decisions than the football on the pitch. For many, this was not football—it was a reflection of the ongoing issues with officiating in Spain's top league.