Real Madrid fans vent fury as Kylian Mbappe and Co join Girona players in ‘respect the referee, respect football’ gesture after Jude Bellingham controversy

In a recent La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Girona, but the game was overshadowed by fan protests. The controversy stemmed from a pre-match initiative where both teams posed with a banner reading “Respeta al árbitro, respeta al fútbol” (“Respect the referee, respect football”), a campaign led by LaLiga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to promote respect for match officials amid ongoing disputes.

However, the gesture was met with loud boos and chants of “¡Corrupción en la Federación!” (“Corruption in the Federation!”) from Real Madrid supporters. Fans expressed frustration over what they see as biased officiating and systemic issues within Spanish football’s governing bodies. Their discontent was further fueled by the two-match suspension of Jude Bellingham for allegedly using abusive language toward referee José Luis Munuera Montero in a previous match against Osasuna, a decision that has sparked debates about fairness and consistency in refereeing.

Tensions between Real Madrid and the RFEF have been escalating, with the club recently sending a letter criticizing the refereeing system as “rigged and discredited.” The charged atmosphere at the Bernabéu reflected these frustrations, with coordinated chants in the 12th minute denouncing perceived injustices in La Liga officiating.

Despite the off-field turmoil, Real Madrid delivered a strong performance. Luka Modric, at 39, put on a masterclass, scoring a stunning goal that highlighted his enduring quality. Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Modric, comparing his longevity to football legend Paolo Maldini and emphasizing that he should continue playing as long as he wishes.

The match also saw the return of David Alaba from a knee injury, reinforcing the defense, while Vinícius Jr. ended his league goal drought with an 84th-minute strike, solidifying Real Madrid’s position in the title race.

As the season progresses, the club faces the dual challenge of maintaining its competitive form while addressing the growing unrest among its supporters over officiating and governance in Spanish football.