Spain debates linguistic nuance of Jude Bellingham s foul language

MADRID – An unlikely debate about translation and cultural interpretations of English profanity has ignited in Spain, after Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was sent off for verbally abusing a referee on Feb 15.

Mainstream TV shows, radio phone-ins and the front pages of newspapers and major websites on Feb 17 wrestled with the concept of Bellingham’s novel defence that he did not shout “F*** you” at the official, but merely “F*** off”.

The England international, 21, was shown a red card in the 1-1 draw at Osasuna in La Liga as referee Jose Munuera Montero believed that the player had directed the foul language at him. However, Bellingham and his coach Carlo Ancelotti said the official was mistaken.

“I’m an English player... and when I speak on the pitch it’s normal that I use expressions that come naturally to me in English,” Bellingham told reporters on Feb 15.

“There was no insult, you can see in the video right away, it was an expression to myself. I’m not even directing myself towards the referee. But, obviously, there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed I’ve said it to him.

“I’ve seen the video and it doesn’t match the (referee) report. I hope that the footage will be reviewed and see that it’s not the same as the report.”

Ancelotti, who managed in England with Chelsea and Everton, backed his player’s defence.

“I think he (the referee) misunderstood Bellingham’s English... The translation is not the same and I don’t think it’s offensive at all. The red card comes out of the referee’s nervousness. Bellingham has done nothing to be sent off. Absolutely nothing,” he said.

In the English Premier League, players routinely use strong language when decisions go against them, and punishments are uncommon.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick took a different view