Flick: Bellingham’s behavior is disrespectful

German coach Hansi Flick, the head coach of Barcelona, accused Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder, of being disrespectful after the English international was sent off in his team’s match against Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday.

According to the British news agency (PA Media), Bellingham was sent off for the second time in his Real Madrid career in the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw with Osasuna.

Referee José Luis Munuera Montero sent Bellingham off in the 39th minute for protesting, even though the 21-year-old player claimed after the match that the red card was unjust.

Spanish media quoted Bellingham saying, “I don’t want to go into details about what he said, but I did not insult the referee.”

However, Bellingham’s actions were criticized by Flick ahead of Barcelona’s home match against Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

When asked about Bellingham’s red card, Flick said, “It’s a completely disrespectful behavior, but I am not the person who should comment on that.”

He added, “And this is what I always talk about with my players, why waste time and energy arguing with the referee about the decisions he makes?”

Flick continued, “There is a player – the team captain – who is the right person to speak with the referee.”

Barcelona will be level on points with Real Madrid, the leaders, if they manage to win against sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano.