Video of Jude Bellingham's remarks to referee after Argentina vs England match goes viral because of his comments

Midfielder criticized the referee before becoming involved in a heated clash with Valentin Barco

Jude Bellingham appeared to have regained his composure when he approached referee Ismail Elfath after England’s World Cup semi-final defeat. His handshake was polite, his voice controlled and his message delivered in only a few words.

“Some shocking ones there, but all the best,” Bellingham told the American official.

Fresh footage recorded by the referee’s camera has now revealed the exchange that followed Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 victory in Atlanta. It offered a glimpse of the anger bubbling beneath the surface before Bellingham became involved in a separate confrontation with Argentina defender Valentin Barco.

England believed several major decisions had gone against them during an intensely physical contest. Argentina was penalized for 15 fouls, with Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandez repeatedly attempting to disrupt England’s attacking rhythm.

Bellingham’s criticism remained restrained when he spoke with Elfath, but the midfielder’s frustration soon became more visible as Argentina celebrated reaching the final.

Bellingham and Barco clash after final whistle

Footage from the chaotic aftermath showed Cristian Romero approaching Bellingham and appearing to taunt the England midfielder.

Bellingham then walked towards Barco and struck him on the back of the head with an open hand. The Argentine full-back immediately turned and shoved him, prompting Nicolas Otamendi to enter the confrontation.

Players from both teams intervened, although Bellingham and Otamendi continued exchanging words as they were separated.

The incident was an ugly conclusion to an otherwise outstanding tournament from the Real Madrid star. Bellingham scored seven goals, the most ever recorded by a midfielder at a single men’s World Cup, and emerged as one of England’s most influential figures.

Former Arsenal and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes the emotion displayed throughout the competition demonstrated the leadership Bellingham can bring back to Madrid.

“This is the way I want to see Bellingham on the pitch, with this anger and ambition,” Petit told Mr Gamble. “He played like a lion; he had great leadership on the pitch and off it.”

Argentina celebrations add another layer of controversy

The post-match tension did not end with the confrontation. Several Argentina players later posed with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” meaning “The Malvinas are Argentine,” in reference to the Falkland Islands.

Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were among those pictured during the celebrations. The political message drew condemnation in Britain and prompted calls for FIFA to investigate whether Argentina had breached rules prohibiting political statements at matches.

FIFA is also reviewing incidents connected to Argentina’s subsequent 1-0 defeat against Spain in the final, when another confrontation erupted after the whistle. No disciplinary outcome relating to Bellingham, Barco or the banner has yet been announced.

The newly released footage has nevertheless altered the sequence of events surrounding England’s elimination. Bellingham’s first response wasn't a furious outburst but a sharp, measured dig at the referee.