Revealed: Why Jude Bellingham was red-carded in heartbreaking El Clasico loss to Barcelona

In a dramatic and heated Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid suffered a 3-2 extra-time defeat to arch-rivals FC Barcelona at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, with England star Jude Bellingham among three Real Madrid players sent off in the match’s chaotic closing stages.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared insights from referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea’s report, shedding light on the controversial decision to red-card Bellingham.

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The match, a thrilling El Clásico, saw Barcelona take the lead through Pedri’s first-half strike, only for Real Madrid to fight back with a Kylian Mbappé free kick and an Aurélien Tchouaméni header.

Ferran Torres levelled the score late to force extra time, where Jules Koundé’s 116th-minute screamer secured Barcelona’s record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title.

However, the game’s moments were marred by controversy as tensions boiled over, led by German defender Antonio Rudiger.

According to Romano, De Burgos’ report stated that Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle for “approaching him AGGRESSIVELY.”

No mention was made of insults or disrespectful gestures, with the referee citing only the midfielder’s confrontational demeanour.

Bellingham was joined by Rudiger, who had to be restrained by teammates, and Lucas Vázquez in receiving red cards.

Rüdiger, already substituted, was dismissed for throwing an object toward the referee and displaying an aggressive attitude, while Vázquez was sent off for disputing decisions and entering the field.

The pre-match buildup had already been tense, with Real Madrid accusing officials of bias and boycotting the press conference, citing “animosity and hostility” from the refereeing body.

The red cards capped a tempestuous night, leaving Real Madrid to rue both the loss and the disciplinary fallout as Barcelona celebrated a vital step toward a potential treble.