Jude Bellingham, fresh off a standout performance that helped Real Madrid advance in the Champions League, is now facing backlash from a fellow Spanish player.
The young England star has been called “fake” by Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo following a tense moment during a January Super Cup match.
This isn’t the first time Bellingham’s actions on the field have stirred controversy, with his interactions involving opponents and referees recently making headlines.
The Clash With Pablo Maffeo
The drama started during a match in January, where Bellingham and Maffeo clashed in a heated confrontation.
The two players were involved in a back-and-forth when Maffeo allegedly threatened to “knock out” Vinicius Junior in just ten seconds.
In response, Bellingham’s reaction only added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for Maffeo’s criticism.
In a recent interview with La Zona 10, Maffeo didn’t hold back when asked about his preference between Bellingham and Vinicius.
He said, “Do I tell you what I think or…? I swear I like Vinicius better, because you see him and he’s impulsive like me, he comes at you.
The other one (Bellingham) comes from behind. So, it’s a bit like what happens to me in real life: ‘Hey, you don’t like me. Fine, but say it to my face.'”
Maffeo went on to accuse Bellingham of playing a “gentleman” on the surface but acting differently behind the scenes.
“If you play the polite boy but then insult or pick on your colleagues from behind, then you’re a fake.
Come face to face, it’s ok. I don’t like you, but don’t act all nice and then…” Maffeo finished, stating that he preferred Vinicius because he knew exactly what to expect from him.
Trouble With the Referee and Bellingham’s Suspension
Bellingham’s controversial moments didn’t end there.
After a recent match against Osasuna in LaLiga, the England international was handed a two-match suspension for an incident involving the referee.
The referee, Juan Luis Munuera Montero, issued a straight red card to Bellingham, believing that the midfielder had used foul language, specifically shouting “f*** you.”
However, Bellingham later explained that he had actually said “f*** off” in frustration with his own actions, not directed at the referee.
“I remember the incident very well, but I’ve seen the video.
The video doesn’t match the (referee’s) report,” Bellingham stated, hoping for the footage to be reviewed and the decision to be reassessed.
Despite his protests, he’ll miss the upcoming games against Girona and Real Sociedad, crucial fixtures for Madrid.
Real Madrid’s Struggling Position Without Bellingham
This suspension comes at a time when Real Madrid is facing a difficult challenge.
After dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Osasuna, Madrid has lost their top spot in LaLiga to Barcelona, who are now level on points.
However, Barcelona’s superior goal difference has them ahead. The absence of Bellingham, who has been a key player for Madrid this season, could be felt in the upcoming matches, leaving Los Blancos with a tough road ahead.
Maffeo’s Solid Season and Past Praise
Meanwhile, Maffeo is enjoying a solid season with Mallorca, who are currently sitting in seventh place in the league.
His impressive performances have drawn attention, including a memorable moment when Lionel Messi praised him as the toughest man-marker he’d ever faced after a match in 2017.
That season, Maffeo was playing for Girona, and his reputation as a reliable and tough defender has only grown since then.
Despite only making a handful of appearances for Manchester City, where he spent several years in their youth system, Maffeo is now proving himself in LaLiga, and his rivalry with Bellingham is likely far from over.
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