Pep Guardiola urges Real Madrid to stop pressuring referees in the wake of the controversy surrounding Jude Bellingham’s red card.

Pep Guardiola has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Jude Bellingham’s red card, urging Real Madrid to stop pressuring referees ahead of their Champions League clash.

Bellingham was sent off against Osasuna for allegedly directing foul language at referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero, who claimed the England star shouted “f*** you” in frustration. However, Bellingham insists he actually said “f*** off” and that his outburst was aimed at himself rather than the official.

Real Madrid’s hierarchy have reportedly accused referees of bias and have met with LaLiga’s refereeing council (CTA) over the incident.

Ahead of City’s crucial second-leg tie at the Bernabeu, Guardiola emphasized that intent matters in these situations. “You should ask Jude what his intention was. That’s what matters,” he said. “Maybe you can insult someone with a smile, and it wouldn’t be so bad, right? I read there’s an investigation—wow. Come on. Leave the referee alone.”

Despite the ongoing row, Guardiola sees no need to remind his players to be respectful toward Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs, who will officiate the highly anticipated encounter.

“When referees are under scrutiny, they’re performing in front of the whole world,” he explained. “They want to make good decisions, and sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t, but I don’t think they’ll feel the pressure. I rarely talk to my players about referees. Most of the time, I don’t even know who the referee is.”

City, trailing by one goal from the first leg, face a tough challenge at the Bernabeu as they look to avoid an early Champions League exit. Guardiola’s side have met Real Madrid in five of the last six seasons but have only won once at their iconic stadium.