JUDE BELLINGHAM’S dramatic winner for Real Madrid was ruled out because the referee had already blown his whistle.
The England star thought he had pinched three points for Los Blancos in the 99th minute of their 2-2 draw with Valencia.
GettyJude Bellingham couldn’t believe it as his ‘winner’ was ruled out[/caption]
ReutersBellingham was sent off in the aftermath[/caption]
Bellingham, 20, leapt highest in the box to head Brahim Diaz’s cross into the home side’s net.
But his celebrations were brutally cut short after realising ref Jesus Gil Manzano had ended the game while the cross was in the air.
Irate Bellingham was even shown a red card for his furious protests as the official headed off the Mestalla pitch.
Madrid’s former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was also dismissed in the aftermath.
Manzano had initially indicated seven minutes of additional time, following a lengthy delay for a freak leg injury suffered by Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby.
That time had passed, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side were piling on pressure searching for a winner and Manzano blew with Madrid’s attack in full flow.
The draw costs Bellingham and Co the chance to go nine points clear of surprise package Girona at the top of LaLiga.
And now talisman Bellingham – the league’s top scorer with 16 goals – will face a ban.
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Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni wasted no time in slamming the officials on social media.
Just minutes after the whistle, the Frenchman wrote on X: “That’s embarrassing.”
GettyMouctar Diakhaby suffered a horror injury moments before[/caption]
GettyAntonio Rudiger couldn’t look as some players appeared close to tears[/caption]
Valencia took the lead in the clash, going ahead in the 27th minute through Hugo Duro.
Roman Yaremchuk then doubled the lead moments later.
And it appeared Valencia were heading out of sight before Vinicius Jr pulled one back for Real on the stroke of half-time.
He then bagged his second of the game in the 76th minute.
But Vincius Jr’s night turned from joy to sorrow after he accidentally collided with Valencia star Diakhaby.
The centre-back writhed in pain on the ground as medics rushed onto the field.
Some players looked close to tears as it became clear he had suffered a horrific leg injury.
And he was eventually stretchered off the field before Bellingham’s dramatic late red card.