Jude Bellingham blasted for simulation in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw which nearly ended title hopes

Lewis Henderson
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:11:56 +0000

Jude Bellingham has come under fire from supporters after television cameras captured the Real Madrid midfielder appearing to exaggerate contact during Friday evening's disappointing 1-1 draw against Real Betis.

The 22-year-old England international was contesting the ball with former Manchester United player Sofyan Amrabat when a loose arm moved in his direction.

Despite slow-motion footage revealing virtually no contact whatsoever, Bellingham clutched his face with both hands before collapsing to the ground.

The referee awarded the foul in his favour, while a visibly stunned Amrabat helped his opponent back to his feet.

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The incident sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with numerous viewers branding the England star's actions as "pathetic".

One supporter wrote: "These Madrid players are not serious. Look at him falling like something happened to him."

Another critic posted: "So shameless and he still went down at first to demand pk."

The display of gamesmanship drew calls from dozens of fans for video technology to be used against players caught simulating fouls or injuries.

It proved an embarrassing episode for Bellingham on what was another forgettable evening for Alvaro Arbeloa's struggling side at the Estadio La Cartuja.

The result leaves Madrid having won just one of their last six fixtures across all competitions, effectively extinguishing any remaining hopes of claiming the La Liga crown.

Former Manchester City boss, Manuel Pellegrini, saw his Betis side continue pressing for a leveller and were rewarded in the final moments of the match.

When Ferland Mendy tumbled under a challenge from Antony and appealed for a free kick, the official allowed play to continue.

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Former Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerín capitalised, stroking the ball home from close range inside a crowded box to send the 54,000 supporters at the Estadio La Cartuja into raptures.

Despite Real's troubles, Bellingham is looking forward to rejoining the England setup as he works towards peak condition ahead of this summer's World Cup.

The midfielder is expected to play a central role for Thomas Tuchel's squad, having recently been recalled for friendly matches.

However, he will need to fend off stiff competition for the attacking midfield berth, with Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer both vying for selection, while Phil Foden could also feature in the manager's plans.

Tuchel is a manager known for making big calls, and with one midfield spot all but secured for Declan Rice and the German favouring Elliot Anderson in the middle of the park, competition for a spot in the team will be fierce.

England's first World Cup is in just shy of two months' time against Croatia.