Real Madrid release statement after Jude Bellingham sees red for 'it's a f***ing goal' rant in reaction to 'unprecedented' refereeing controversy against Valencia

The England international thought he had won the game six minutes into stoppage time when he headed in from close range but referee Gil Manzano had blown the whistle to end the match at 2-2 before the cross was swung in. The 20-year-old was shown a red card for his protests, after saying "It's a f****** goal" to the official, and following the match Los Blancos released a statement on the club's website.

Part of the club's statement reads: "An unprecedented refereeing decision by Gil Manzano prevented Real Madrid 's victory against Valencia at Mestalla. With the score at 2-2 and in the last play of the game, Brahim [Diaz] crossed into the area and Bellingham finished off with a header making it 2-3. But the referee annulled the goal by signaling the end of the match when the Malaga native's pass went through the air. The league leaders deserved the three points, but added only one in a match that they were losing 2-0. Two goals from Vini[cius] Jr. tied the duel, finally resolved with the decision of Gil Manzano."

This late drama somewhat overshadowed the fact that Vinicius Junior's double cancelled out Valencia's 2-0 lead following goals from Hugo Duro and Roman Yaremchuk at the Mestalla on Saturday. The result and sending off mean Girona can cut their gap at the top of La Liga to four points if they win on Sunday and Bellingham - who was returning from injury after three weeks out - faces a ban, too.

Next up for Madrid is the second leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie at home to RB Leipzig - where they hold a 1-0 advantage - on Wednesday, followed by a home clash with Celta Vigo next Sunday in La Liga.