Referee Gets Threats as Bellingham's Dismissal Stirs Debate

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.

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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 defense 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 Spanish La Liga draw at Osasuna as referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero believed that the player had directed the foul language at him.

Spain's football federation (RFEF) said referees are sickened by the abuse Montero has received since the incident, and that the situation reflects the "hatred and verbal violence" match officials have to endure.

"The professional referees are absolutely repulsed by the attacks and threats that our colleague Jose Luis Munuera Montero is receiving through social networks, which not only target him personally but also his family," the RFEF said.