Germany legend Lothar Matthaus defends Jude Bellingham after German FA fine

'Anyway, I wonder how and 18-year-old English player knows Mr Zwayer's past so well?'

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has defended Jude Bellingham after the Borussia Dortmund midfielder was fined for his controversial comments about referee Felix Zwayer. Bellingham launched a scathing post-match attack after Zwayer awarded Bayern a penalty for a Mats Hummels handball, shortly after Dortmund had a penalty shout turned down themselves. The 18-year-old didn't hold back in his assessment of the referee's display, highlighting Zwayer's previous affiliation to the German match-fixing scandal in 2005, which saw him banned for six months. As per Sky Sports News, an investigation from the German FA's sports court came to the conclusion that Bellingham's comments were deemed as 'unsportsmanlike conduct.' This has led to the midfielder receiving a €40,000 (£33,970) fine, but importantly For Dortmund, he will not be suspended and  will be available for their Bundesliga away trip to VFL Bochum on Saturday. Some people have criticised Bellingham for his comments, but German legend Matthaus has backed the young midfielder - suggesting that emotions will have been high following the Der Klassiker defeat.

Writing for Sky Sport Deutschland, Matthaus said: "Yes, Jude Bellingham's words were out of place. Today, he might not say the same thing.

"But I can understand his frustration and anger right after the game is over. The adrenaline and emotions are very difficult to control when losing such an important game to controversial decisions. But you don't have to overdo it.

"As far as I'm concerned, he should donate a fine to a charitable cause and it's done with.

"Anyway, I wonder how and 18-year-old English player knows Mr Zwayer's past so well? Who gave him this before the interview?'

Despite not receiving a suspension from the German FA, Bellingham is still the subject of a police investigation after a 'criminal complaint' was filed by former referee, Marco Haase. Related links:

• Jude Bellingham fined for comments after Der Klassiker defeat
• Jude Bellingham subject of ‘criminal complaint’ following scathing referee criticism
• Bellingham and Haaland criticise refereeing performance after Bayern Munich defeat