Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has entered the debate around the sending off of Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham in the La Liga clash against Osasuna on Saturday, February 15.

The England international, Bellingham, was shown a straight red card for swearing at the referee, Munuera Montero.

The dismissal of the 21-year-old has caused outrage in Spain, with many questioning the difference between “f— off” and “f— you.”

Guardiola believes referees should be left alone while questioning the intention behind Bellingham's use of the f word on the referee.

“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.”

Manchester City is set to take on Real Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabue.

The English champions will be looking to overturn a 3-2 deficit in the first leg.

WDN