Pep Guardiola cries foul over Jude Bellingham's language

Pep Guardiola has told Real Madrid to back off the referees as their complaints over Jude Bellingham's recent sending off continue to rumble.

England international Bellingham was dismissed for foul language in Real’s weekend La Liga draw at Osasuna after apparently swearing in the direction of the referee.

A row has erupted over what Bellingham actually said, with club and player insisting he used the term "f*** off" as an expression of frustration in English, rather than the insult "f*** you".

It is the latest in a series of perceived injustices over which Real have vociferously protested in recent weeks and have overshadowed the build-up to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Guardiola, who was asked his opinion ahead of the play-off second leg at the Bernabeu Stadium, simply feels Bellingham would have been better not using either expression.

The City manager said: "My English is good, but I don’t understand the difference between f*** off and f*** you.

"But what’s important is the intention, not the insult. The best thing is not to do it and leave the referees in peace.

"There have always been decisions. You should ask Jude what his intention was – that’s what matters.

"Maybe you can insult someone with a great smile on your face and that wouldn’t be that bad, right? I read that there is an investigation – wow. Come on. Leave him (the referee) alone."

Guardiola’s comments could add extra spice to the rivalry between the two sides, who are meeting in a knockout tie for the fourth season in succession and the fifth time in six seasons.

This time a place in the last 16 is at stake and City must overturn a 3-2 deficit to progress after Bellingham scored a late winner in the first leg at the