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The shocking instance of Jude Bellingham receiving a straight red card during the Osasuna vs Real Madrid match in LaLiga 2024-25 has stirred up severe controversy.
Amid the ongoing dispute, José Luis Munuera Montero, who officiated the match, has restricted his social media accounts after he received countless 'death threats'.
The incidents have taken a much more serious turn after Los Blancos ended the game against Osasuna in a 1-1 stalemate on February 15th.
José Luis Munuera Montero receives death threats
The controversy started to take shape after the referee José Luis Munuera Montero showed Bellingham a straight red card in the 39th minute of the game, for alleged insults directed at him.
Bellingham allegedly abused the referee, using the 'f-word' while protesting against Osasuna receiving a free-kick. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti backed the English international, claiming that the referee misunderstood what the player said in English.
— b (@nottinubuu) February 16, 2025
Bellingham himself stated to issue no further comments regarding the incident, as the LaLiga Disciplinary Committee is keeping the incident under speculation for an investigation.
Real Madrid are also expected to appeal opposing the marching order, whereas the Real Madrid midfielder might face at least a one-game ban.
🚨 Ancelotti: "Red card? I think the referee was nervous. Bellingham said 'if that's a foul then that was a penalty, f*ck off', Bellingham didn't do anything to deserve a red card. The referee didn't understand English." pic.twitter.com/TJlILlfhRj
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 15, 2025
However, the concerning incidents have drifted toward a very serious instance after Montero received almost 100,000 mentions in his latest Instagram post within a day. According to Mundo Deportivo, The comments included threats to injure or kill him, even threats to harm his wife and family.
The LaLiga official was forced to restrict the comment section on his social media following these horrible remarks. LaLiga has already responded to this incident, promising to "conduct an investigation aimed at enhancing the safety of its referees."