Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday in an ill-tempered Madrid derby that reignited the World Cup feud between Jude Bellingham and Cristian Romero.
The England midfielder and Argentina defender clashed throughout the match, exchanging personal insults rooted in their 2022 World Cup semi-final encounter.
According to Movistar's El Dia Despues, Bellingham told Romero: "When you're with [Lionel] Messi, you talk a lot. But here, nothing," while also calling the defender a coward.
Romero hit back by labelling Bellingham a "cry baby" and mocking his emotional reaction after England's World Cup defeat in Qatar.
Earlier, Romero escaped a red card after a nasty challenge on Bellingham, with VAR upholding only a yellow card.
Real Madrid also felt aggrieved that Kang-in Lee avoided dismissal for an ankle-high tackle on Federico Valverde.
Dean Huijsen was later sent off for Real, leaving them to finish with ten men.
Bellingham led furious protests at full-time, repeatedly shouting "two red cards, two!" at referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias.
Jose Mourinho criticised the officials in his post-match press conference, brandishing printed screenshots of two incidents he believed warranted Atletico dismissals.
"We can skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here," Mourinho said, showing the images to media.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid fourth in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona.
Key incidents
- Romero yellow card for challenge on Bellingham (VAR checked)
- Kang-in Lee challenge on Valverde — no card
- Huijsen red card for Real Madrid
- Bellingham full-time protests: "two red cards, two!"
- Mourinho press conference with printed VAR screenshots
Watch the Highlights
Source: Mirror
