Jude Bellingham avoids ban over row which could spark transfer for best friend at England
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Jude Bellingham will not face any punishment for his actions in the aftermath of Dani Carvajal’s horror injury.
The England hero was involved in an altercation after his teammate suffered a serious knee injury during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Villareal.
Carvajal was stretchered off in tears after coming off worse in a challenge with Yeremy Pino in the game’s 92nd minute, and it was later revealed he had sustained a triple knee-ligament tear.
And while Pino was visibly upset by his role in the incident, so too was Bellingham, who immediately sought out the Spanish midfielder.
As the Real players gathered to check on their teammate, the Englishman appeared to attempt to shove Pino, before confronting him over the tackle.
Spanish media reported that Bellingham took issue with the Spaniard’s decision to challenge for the ball in the game’s dying moments.
According to Defensa Central, the 21-year-old told Pino: “You cannot go into that tackle in the 93rd minute with the result already decided.”
Ultimately however, the situation did not escalate beyond this, as Bellingham was ushered away by both the match officials and his fellow players.
And it has now been confirmed that he will not face a LaLiga investigation for his actions.
But with Carvajal a key figure in the Real Madrid dressing room, his long-term absence will be a huge loss to the Spanish champions, who may well have to consider a long-term replacement.
It has been reported that Los Blancos have now begun their search for a new right-sided full-back, despite immediately extending the 32-year-old’s contract until June 2026 within hours of his injury.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold would arguably be a prime target for the European champions for a number of reasons.
The 26-year-old is regarded as one of the best in his position in world football and was heavily linked with a summer move to Madrid, having not yet agreed a new contract with the Reds.
Alexander-Arnold’s current deal expires in the summer of 2025, and is understood to be free to talk to clubs outside of the UK from January regarding a free transfer.
And while Bellingham was left seething after Carvajal’s injury, he would certainly welcome the introduction of his England teammate.
The pair are known to be good friends, having grown close during their time spent on international duty.
Back in April 2024, Alexander-Arnold was asked by The Overlap who who his best friend in football was.
He replied: "I would say, club – Robbo [Andy Robertson], internationals – probably Jude."
The duo even shared a planned ‘wolf’ goal celebration during England’s Euro 2024 win over Serbia after Bellingham netted the winning goal in a 1-0 victory.
When Bellingham signed for Real in June 2023, it put an end to many Liverpool fans’ hopes that he would sign for the Merseyside outfit, with many believing Alexander-Arnold would be able to tempt him with a move.
And with recent events making a Spanish swap for the Reds’ right-back even more likely, it could well be Bellingham who acts as an unofficial agent on this occasion.
