Controversial Officiating: Clear Penalty Denied to Real Madrid After Push on Bellingham
Real Madrid had every reason to be frustrated with referee Umut Meler during their Champions League debut against Stuttgart. The Turkish official became a focal point of the match after failing to award a clear penalty following a blatant push on Jude Bellingham.
The incident occurred when Bellingham was in prime position to head in a cross delivered by Rodrygo from the right flank. Just as the English midfielder prepared to connect with the ball, a Stuttgart defender pushed him, disrupting what could have been a clear scoring opportunity. Despite the apparent foul, neither the referee nor VAR deemed it worthy of a penalty.
Bellingham was visibly upset, as Rodrygo’s cross had created an ideal chance to open the scoring. The decision – or lack thereof – left Real Madrid feeling hard done by.
Ancelotti’s Frustration
Known for his typically composed demeanor, Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t hide his frustration on the sidelines. The Italian coach was seen protesting several of Meler’s decisions, signaling his dissatisfaction to the fourth official.
The crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu shared Ancelotti’s sentiment, voicing their displeasure at the referee’s performance, as Real Madrid felt unjustly treated during a critical moment in the match.
