FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - LaLiga - Osasuna v Real Madrid - El Sadar Stadium, Pamplona, Spain - February 15, 2025 Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham reacts after being shown a red card by referee Jose Munuera REUTERS/Vincent West/File Photo
MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's soccer federation said referees are sickened by the abuse Jose Munuera Montero has received since he showed Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham a red card and the situation reflects the "hatred and verbal violence" match officials have to endure.
Montero believed the 21-year-old England midfielder had directed foul language at him during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Osasuna and showed him a straight red card. However, Bellingham and his coach Carlo Ancelotti said the official was mistaken.
