'I don't understand difference between 'f*ck off' & 'f*ck you'!' - Pep Guardiola admits confusion at Jude Bellingham red card saga with language barrier issue

Bellingham, frustrated with the officiating in Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Osasuna last weekend, confronted referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero, gesturing across the pitch while questioning calls that had gone against his team. The Spanish official urged him to "speak with respect," to which Bellingham replied, "I am speaking to you with respect." However, as he turned away, cameras captured him appearing to say, “f*** you.” The referee wasted no time in showing a straight red card, leaving the English star visibly shocked.

Nonetheless, Bellingham has maintained that he never deliberately directed any insult to any match official. His dismissal caused an uproar, and the referee has been subjected to worrying online abuse, which has led La Liga to leave him out of the next matchday.

Manchester City boss Guardiola, speaking about the incident, acknowledged the complexity of interpreting intent in such situations.

"My English is good, but I don't understand the difference between f--- off and f--- you," Guardiola told reporters. "But what's important is the intention, not the insult. The best thing is not to do it and leave the referees in peace. There have always been decisions. You should ask Jude what his intention was. That's what matters. Maybe you can insult someone with a great smile on your face and that wouldn't be that bad, right?"

While Bellingham’s case has led to discussions about player conduct, Guardiola insisted he does not usually address referee-related concerns with his squad, unless an unavoidable situation arises.

"I would not say never, ever but rarely do I talk about the referees with my players," Guardiola said. "Maybe in the circumstances where the days before it is impossible to forget because it's in the vibe of the locker room and the media, but most of the time I don't even know who the referee will be. With Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs set to officiate Real Madrid’s next match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Guardiola reiterated that there would be no pre-game discussions about officiating decisions. Yesterday [Monday] and this morning, we didn't talk with the team and it's not going to happen tonight or tomorrow."

Following his dismissal, Bellingham now faces the prospect of a lengthy ban and he could be suspended for anywhere between four to twelve matches. If found guilty, Bellingham would be ruled out of key La Liga clashes against Girona, Real Betis, and Rayo Vallecano - matches that could have significant implications for Real Madrid’s title challenge. However, his availability for the Champions League remains unaffected, meaning he will be eligible to play for Real against Manchester City in their last 16 second-leg playoff showdown on Wednesday night.