According to Hansi Flick, there should be no debate over Jude Bellingham’s red card for Real Madrid on Saturday. The referee claims that Bellingham said "Fuck you," while the player insists he said "Fuck off." Flick believes that both are disrespectful.
Barcelona is set to face Rayo Vallecano on Monday, February 17, at 21:00, but ahead of the match, Hansi Flick was drawn into the growing controversy surrounding Jude Bellingham’s red card for Real Madrid.
The incident, which occurred during Real Madrid’s most recent game, has sparked a heated debate about discipline, respect for referees, and the role of language in football suspensions.
Real Madrid is preparing to file an official complaint regarding what they believe to be an error in the referee’s match report. The crux of the issue lies in the distinction between "Fuck you" and "Fuck off," as the latter is considered general offensive language, while the former is seen as a direct insult toward the referee. The difference is crucial, as insulting the referee carries a harsher suspension than simply using inappropriate language. The club hopes to reduce Bellingham’s punishment, arguing that the disciplinary action should reflect the true nature of what was said.
During Flick’s pre-match press conference, journalists asked the Barcelona coach for his opinion on the matter. Although Flick made it clear that he was not particularly interested in the situation, he did not hesitate to share his stance on the broader topic of player conduct and respect for referees.
"Whatever he said, I find both disrespectful," Flick stated firmly. "But it's not my business, and it’s not my concern. You shouldn't waste your energy saying things like that to a referee who has already made his decision. That’s something I always tell my own players. In any case, there’s only one person who should be speaking to the referee, and that is the captain."
Flick’s response made it clear that he does not tolerate confrontations with match officials, whether at Real Madrid, Barcelona, or any other club. His comments align with his well-known disciplinary approach, which prioritizes concentration on the game rather than arguments with referees.
Beyond the specific incident with Bellingham, Flick used the opportunity to highlight what he sees as a wider problem in modern football: the constant complaining and protesting directed at referees. According to Flick, this behavior slows the game down, creates unnecessary tension, and sets a bad example for younger players.
"I love what happens in handball, for example," Flick continued. "The referee blows the whistle, and everyone immediately gets into position to defend the restart. We should learn from this sport because certain behaviors in football don’t sit well with me."
His comparison with handball reflects his desire for a more disciplined, fast-paced game, where players accept the referee’s decision and immediately refocus on the action. In contrast, football has developed a culture where players often surround referees, argue for minutes on end, and attempt to pressure officials into changing decisions.
Flick’s remarks have sparked discussions about whether football could implement stricter rules regarding dissent. Some leagues have experimented with stronger disciplinary measures, including yellow cards for excessive protests and increased use of captain-only discussions with referees, similar to rugby. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many high-profile players continue to get away with arguing and showing dissent toward officials.
The controversy surrounding Bellingham’s red card, while focused on a single event, has once again raised questions about the balance between passion and discipline in football. While players are expected to be emotionally invested in the game, there is a fine line between expressing frustration and outright disrespecting referees. Flick’s stance suggests that he believes stricter control and cultural change are needed to ensure that referees are treated with more respect.
As Barcelona prepares to take on Rayo Vallecano, Flick is eager to shift the focus back to football. His team is in the midst of a tight title race and cannot afford to be distracted by outside controversies. However, his comments will likely be discussed for days, as debates about refereeing consistency, discipline, and fair play continue to divide opinions in the football world.
