Referee Jose Manuar faced a wave of angry messages on social media after Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham was substituted in the 39th minute during a championship clash, a decision that sparked widespread debate.
The official said he plans to report the online abuse to law enforcement and intends to sue several media outlets for alleged slander.
“The pressure on referees has intensified, and this time I am the focal point. I intend to sue the media in civil and criminal courts for distributing false, biased, or prejudiced information, whether intentional or reckless,” Manuar stated.
Bellingham left the field in the 39th minute, and the match ultimately finished with a 1-1 draw.
Barcelona remains atop La Liga with 51 points after 24 rounds, while Real Madrid sits on the same total but ranks second on tiebreakers. Osasuna is in ninth place with 32 points and continues to lend depth to the table’s competition.
In the upcoming round, Real Madrid will host Girona on February 23 at 18:15 Moscow time. Osasuna will face Celta on February 21, with a 23:00 start in Moscow time.
Earlier, Spartak was linked with a talented Uruguayan talent as teams continue to scout and pursue rising stars in a busy transfer window.