There was controversy in LaLiga as referee Gil Manzano blew his full-time whistle seconds before Jude Bellingham scored what would have been a winner for Real Madrid against Valencia.
The hosts took a surprise two-goal lead after goals by Hugo Duro in the 27th minute and Roman Yaremchuk just three minutes later at the Mestalla Stadium.
Right-back Dani Carvajal had a nightmare first half as he was directly responsible as Los Blancos conceded two goals in quick succession and played in Yaremchuk for the second goal after an attempted back-pass to goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Vinicius Junior then inspired Carlo Ancelotti’s side to draw level with a brace in first-half stoppage-time and then the 76th minute.
The referee then grabbed all the headlines when he blew his whistle as a cross was played in seconds before Bellingham headed the ball into the back of the net.
“It’s a f*cking goal, the ball is in the air. What the f*ck is that”, Bellingham said this to referee Jesus Gil Manzano and received a red card.
— Mighty George (@iamMightyGeorge) March 3, 2024
What a time to end the game. Could be a defining moment in Real Madrid's title charge.
This is not football, This is La Liga pic.twitter.com/svZQQtbIrM
Bellingham received a red car amid his protestations for reportedly verbally abusing the referee after the full-time whistle.
“His red bothers us. He has been transparent in confessing what he has said, approaching in a vehement manner, something normal after what happened and saying ‘It’s a f*cking goal,’” Ancelotti said post-match.
“But he didn’t say any insults towards the referee. He was just frustrated. But he didn’t say an insult, not at all. Let’s see what they write.”
Madrid remains atop the league standings despite Saturday’s draw and are seven points ahead of Girona having played one more match.
➖ Real Madrid on the attack in the ninth minute of added time
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 2, 2024
➖ Referee blows the whistle while the ball is in the air
➖ Jude Bellingham scores seconds after
➖ Jude sent off after words with referee
The end of Valencia 2-2 Real Madrid was WILD 😱 pic.twitter.com/GFwRNM1X5p
Jude Bellingham has been sent off for scoring perfectly legal last second goal.
— blanco🤍 (@angRMA_) March 2, 2024
It's not football , it's LA LIGA .#RealMadrid
pic.twitter.com/FY4sokI2zU
