Fresh referee camera footage has revealed the first words Jude Bellingham directed at match official Ismail Elfath immediately after England’s heartbreaking 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
The emotional footage shows the England midfielder approaching the referee at full-time before delivering a short but pointed seven-word message:
“Some shocking ones, but all the best.”
Bellingham’s comment appeared to reference several controversial decisions that left England players furious throughout the match.
England believed they were on the wrong end of multiple key calls, including a challenge involving Enzo Fernández that many felt deserved a red card and a build-up incident before Lautaro Martínez scored Argentina’s dramatic winner. Those moments sparked widespread debate among fans, pundits and former players after the final whistle.
The Real Madrid star looked visibly devastated after the match, with television cameras capturing him in tears following England’s exit. Despite his frustration, Bellingham’s remark to the referee stopped short of being abusive, instead expressing disappointment with the officiating before wishing the official well.
The defeat was one of the most painful of Bellingham’s international career. England had led for much of the contest before Argentina completed a late comeback to book their place in the World Cup final.
The referee’s performance has continued to divide opinion, with calls from some supporters and public figures for FIFA to review several of the match’s key decisions. However, football’s governing body has not announced any replay or disciplinary action regarding the result.
Although Argentina celebrated reaching the final, their campaign ended in disappointment days later as they were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the World Cup final, denying them back-to-back world titles.
The newly released referee camera footage has now given fans a rare insight into Bellingham’s immediate reaction, revealing that even in the heat of a crushing defeat, the England midfielder voiced his frustrations directly—but respectfully—to the match official.
