Jack Grealish screams ‘f*** off’ at ref as Man City Champions League final hopes shattered

Jack Grealish could be heard swearing at the referee as Real Madrid bought a cheap foul (Image: BT Sport)

Jack Grealish could not hide his frustration as Manchester City’s Champions League final hopes faded in the closing stages of a scintillating, energy-sapping 120 minutes of enthralling action against Real Madrid. The £100million man stamped his quality all over this heavyweight clash after being introduced from the bench by Pep Guardiola in the latter stages of the second-half but he could not prevent City from crashing out of the competition that continues to elude them.

Grealish, who was oozing with confidence on the biggest stage of all, danced his way through the Real Madrid defence before his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line.

The former Aston Villa captain also forced Thibaut Courtois into a fine save as City strived to put the game beyond reach.

However, their lack of cutting edge in front of goal across both ties saw them pay the ultimate price.

Real Madrid substitute Rodrygo scored twice in a matter of minutes to flip the game on its head – sending the pulsating clash to extra-time.

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Eduardo Camavinga bought a clever foul from Jack Grealish (Image: GETTY)

Man City’s record-signing Jack Grealish was incensed with the referee (Image: BT Sport)

Los Blancos then took the lead when Karim Benzema steered home a penalty that he won after being fouled by Ruben Dias – meaning City now needed to score to keep their hopes of Paris alive.

Grealish was working his socks off to try and get City back into the tie as he chased back and helped up defensively, in a bid to regain possession for his side.

But by this point – the closing stages of the contest – Real Madrid were too clever and too smart, going to ground at every opportunity.

Eduardo Camavinga hit the deck after a challenge from Grealish with 117 minutes on the clock, earning his team a priceless foul.

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The England international was furious and felt the referee Daniele Orsato had been conned by the Frenchman.

Pitch-side microphones picked up Grealish yelling “f*** off man” towards the official in fury.

The playmaker, who is now the British transfer record, cut an animated figure as he prepared to defend the free-kick and like many others, he was clearly incensed by the manner of City’s remarkable collapse.

Referee Orsato faced plenty of scrutiny from City’s players earlier in the match when Casemiro escaped without a caution after hacking down Kevin De Bruyne.

Real Madrid defied all odds to come back from the dead and stun Man City (Image: GETTY)

The Brazilian’s scissor challenge somehow went unpunished in the first half, breaking up a City counter-attack.

It was not the only foul that Casemiro would make but still, he managed to play on without caution.

City have now been left to lick their wounds as they turn attention back towards the Premier League title race, as they look to defend their narrow one-point margin over Liverpool.

Next up, Newcastle visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as the Magpies look to spring a major surprise following their 1-0 defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s side on Saturday at St James’ Park.