Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid and England midfield maestro, found himself at the center of a playful controversy during his Christmas break. While attending a Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland to support his younger brother, Jobe, who plays for Sunderland, Bellingham was caught on camera seemingly joining in a cheeky chant directed at Alan Shearer, the Newcastle United and England legend. The incident occurred at Ewood Park, Blackburn’s home ground and Shearer’s former stomping ground, where Sunderland fans adapted a traditional, more innocuous chant to include a less-than-flattering reference to Shearer. Bellingham’s apparent participation, though lighthearted, sparked amusement and debate among fans.
The chant itself, a variation on a commonly used football song, typically features the line “he wears a magic hat.” However, Sunderland supporters, known for their rivalry with Newcastle, reworded the chant with a more provocative phrase targeting Shearer. Bellingham, captured on video with a smile on his face, appeared to mouth some of the words, leading many to believe he was joining in the fun. While some found the incident humorous, others questioned whether it was appropriate for a player of Bellingham’s stature to engage in such banter.
The context of the rivalry between Sunderland and Newcastle added another layer to the story. Shearer, a revered figure at Newcastle, is often the target of derision from Sunderland fans. This historical animosity likely fueled the adapted chant and Bellingham’s apparent participation, likely seen by some as a show of solidarity with his brother’s team and its supporters. The incident provided a lighthearted moment amidst the intense atmosphere of a promotion-chasing Championship match.
Beyond the chanting episode, the game itself proved to be a thrilling encounter. Blackburn initially took the lead through Yuki Ohashi, but Sunderland quickly turned the tide with goals from Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor. Just as Sunderland seemed poised for victory, Blackburn’s Harry Leonard snatched a dramatic equalizer in the 90th minute, securing a share of the spoils. The draw left Sunderland in fourth place, six points ahead of Blackburn in fifth, with both teams vying for promotion to the Premier League.
Jobe Bellingham, at 19, is considered a promising talent and is expected to follow in his older brother’s footsteps to the top level of the game. While the chant involving his brother arguably stole the headlines, the younger Bellingham’s focus will undoubtedly be on contributing to Sunderland’s promotion push. The draw against Blackburn, though frustrating, keeps Sunderland in a strong position as the Championship season unfolds.
Jude Bellingham’s presence at the game highlighted the close bond between the two brothers. The elder Bellingham took advantage of Real Madrid’s winter break to support his sibling’s career. While the chanting incident provided a moment of levity and perhaps a hint of mischief, it also underscored Bellingham’s connection to his family and his willingness to engage with the passionate world of football fandom. The incident, ultimately harmless, provided a lighthearted anecdote during the festive period, demonstrating the lighter side of football’s often intense rivalries.
