New FIFA footage reveals Jude Bellingham dig after England World Cup defeat to Argentina

Jude Bellingham made his feelings clear to the referee after England’s defeat to Argentina at the World Cup (TikTok)

Jude Bellingham aimed a dig at the referee in the immediate aftermath of England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

England took the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon but a second-half collapse saw Enzo Fernandez equalise before Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal for Argentina in injury time.

Moroccan-born American national Ismail Elfath was tasked with officiating the ill-tempered game which saw 19 fouls committed by half time, 12 of which came from Argentina, although only Lisandro Martinez received a yellow card in the opening 45 minutes.

England were unhappy that Fernandez’s collision with Elliot Anderson went unpunished in the first half after the Chelsea midfielder thrust his elbow into his opponent’s neck.

England also felt aggrieved as Lionel Messi appeared to foul Djed Spence just before his cross set up Martinez for Argentina’s winner in injury time.

In newly released footage of Elfath’s ref cam, which was used by all of FIFA’s match officials at the World Cup, Bellingham was seen making his feelings clear after the full-time whistle.

@tristantegtmeyer Messi’s last win with Argentina. Very sad to see it end, but happy that Spain won the World Cup! #worldcup#refcam#messi#futbol#fussball ♬ original sound – TristanTegtmeyer

As Bellingham approached Elfath, the England midfielder held out his hand and said: ‘Some shocking ones but all the best.’

Before the game, Elfath was described as Messi’s ‘good luck charm’ as Argentina’s captain had won all five of his matches where the United States official was part of the officiating team.

Elfath was the fourth official for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where Messi’s Argentina beat France in a penalty shootout to win the trophy.

After Messi joined Inter Miami the following summer, Elfath, a two-time MLS Referee of the Year winner, officiated the final of the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023 in which Miami beat Nashville SC.

Elfath has also taken charge of three MLS wins for Messi.

Jude Bellingham was unhappy with Ismail Elfath’s performance in England’s World Cup defeat (AP Photo)

Meanwhile, Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has hit out at Argentina’s conduct after the full-time whistle in the World Cup final last Sunday.