Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti slammed an ‘unprecedented’ refereeing decision as midfielder Jude Bellingham was sent off after the controversial final whistle in the 2-2 La Liga draw at Valencia.
England’s Bellingham was shown a red card after protesting after referee Jesus Gil Manzano blew for time an instant before Bellingham hit what would have been a 99th minute winner at the Mestalla.
Manzano blew as Brahim Diaz whipped in his would-be assist. Madrid players, coaches and substitutes flooded the pitch to confront the referee and Bellingham earned a red card.
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“I think what’s just happened is unprecedented. It’s never happened to me,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“We had possession of the ball and the match should have been finished when Valencia had the ball.
“What bothers us is the red card for Bellingham because he didn’t say anything insulting. He was frustrated of course,” said Ancelotti.
Bellingham reportedly said: “It’s a f**king goal, the ball is in the air. What the f**k is that?”
But in an odd twist, footage later emerged of the referee doing the same thing at the end of the first half – blowing the whistle while Valencia were attacking in a promising position.
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Madrid’s second draw in three league games leaves the 35-time Spanish champions seven points clear of second-placed Girona, who head to lowly Mallorca on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Ancelotti’s outfit welcome RB Leipzig in the Champions League last 16 second leg, with a 1-0 aggregate lead.
The hosts in central Spain led 2-0 after just half an
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