Jude Bellingham rescued England from being dumped out of Euro 2024 in the last-16 by Slovakia, but the Real Madrid star could now miss the quarter final against Switzerland
Jude Bellingham’s celebratory ‘inside joke’ could cause him to be banned for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday.
England were hurtling towards one of their most embarrassing defeats in their history on Sunday evening when the Real Madrid star met a long throw with a sensational overhead kick to force the match to extra-time.
Captain Harry Kane headed home Ivan Toney’s cross to secure the 2-1 win and set up a date with Switzerland in the quarter-finals in Dusseldorf.
But reports have now suggested that England could have to do without Bellingham in their quarter-final clash after the 21-year-old landed himself in hot water with his celebrations.
Bellingham appeared to make an X-rated gesture – moving his hand from his face to his groin, before thrusting back and forth – seemingly aimed at one of the benches, while celebrating his incredible goal.
The lewd gesture was perceived by many online to be aimed at the Slovakia benches, though Bellingham clarified on X afterwards that the act was “an inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.” He added: “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Despite the explanation, Portuguese newspaper A Bola has suggested that UEFA could consider the gesture worthy of sanction – including a one-match ban.
UEFA released a statement on Monday afternoon confirming an “Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match”.
Bellingham has supplied two of England’s four goals in their four matches at this summer’s Euros and his presence in midfield and further up the pitch would mark a potentially fatal blow to Southgate’s side.
Bellingham was suspended at Real Madrid last season after displaying “contemptuous or disrespectful attitude towards a referee”, though the midfielder insists he is not guilty of any wrongdoing.
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