Tensions between Real Madrid fans and Jude Bellingham (23) have escalated to an extreme level.
Real Madrid routed AS Monaco 6-1 on the 21st (Korea time) at their home stadium Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain, in a UEFA Champions League match. Bellingham was the scorer of the sixth goal.
But more attention was paid to his "drinking imitation" celebration than the goal itself. Immediately after scoring, Bellingham smiled and made a gesture as if downing a drink. It was too blatant to be seen as a simple joke. The act directly targeted recent personal life controversies, attitude issues, and jeers from Bernabéu fans.
After the match, Bellingham did not hide his emotions. He added, "It was a joke. People talk too much. Instead of crying or sending lawyers, I decided to just laugh it off. I know the truth. I also know what is actually going on in my personal life."
It was a warning not to act as if home fans knew everything about his personal life. Bellingham has recently become the center of controversy within Real as well. Reports emerged that Bellingham was dissatisfied with coach Xabi Alonso's tactics.
Bernabéu spectators received that and ran with it. The jeers directed at Bellingham in the previous Levante match were by no means accidental. There were even rumors that Bellingham went to the club without properly preparing for matches.
In response, Bellingham continued the back-and-forth with fans, saying, "Don't believe everything. Fans pay to watch the game. They have the right to jeer. But I'm not sure if it helps."
Even after scoring the goal that completed the big win, Bellingham unsettled the fans.
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