Jude Bellingham is the subject of an investigation after appearing to make a lewd gesture during England’s win over Slovakia, though the midfielder has now earned the backing of a Three Lions legend
England legend David Seaman has slammed the “petty” investigation into Jude Bellingham over his gesture following his goal against Slovakia.
Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick in the 94th minute to equalise for the Three Lions in their Last 16 match. Gareth Southgate’s side would go on to win the game in extra-time to set up a quarter-final clash against Slovakia.
But the aftermath of the win was overshadowed when UEFA announced they had opened an investigation into Bellingham. The midfielder appeared to cup his privates in the direction of the Slovakia bench, though later claimed it was a joke aimed towards his close friends.
UEFA have written to both Bellingham and the FA have an explanation on his actions, while members of the Slovakia coaching team will also be spoken to. The Real Madrid star faces a ban or a fine if he is charged with misconduct, though the FA are confident that his will escape serious punishment.
As the Three Lions prepare to face Switzerland on Saturday in their quarter-final, Seaman has now lept to Bellingham’s defence. The Arsenal icon believes that UEFA’s investigation is “petty” and insisted the gesture showed the character that the midfielder should keep hold of.
“Jude Bellingham’s goal for England was incredible. When we were losing, I was thinking Gareth Southgate might resign after the game, but then the goal went in and I celebrated so loudly that I scared the hell out of my wife Frankie!” Seaman told Betway.
“It was an amazing goal, and I thought we deserved something out of the game. Slovakia were better than a lot of people realised. They’re a really organised team and they knew they knew how to close off the passing lanes.
“I think some people are taking these teams for granted, expecting them to roll over. They’re not – they’re in the Euros on merit, and they’re playing at the top of their game. Our players aren’t on top of their game, but we know we can play so much better and we’re in another quarter-final.
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“We need to properly start getting behind the team because we’ve still got a really good chance. I hope Bellingham’s goal will be a turning point, like Gazza’s against Scotland at Euro 96 (90 seconds after my penalty save!).
“It reminds people of what we’ve got in the team – players that are capable of special moments. UEFA are investigating him for his celebration, and I think it’s a bit petty. I hope Jude will carry on being Jude. I would tell him to be himself – don’t become a robot.”
Bellingham has admitted to being left overwhelmed by the dramatic nature of his goal. And he is keen for it to help England go all the way at this summer’s tournament.
“It was an emotional rollercoaster really, and probably not the most enjoyable way that you want to win a game. You want feel comfortable and in control, but you’ve got to find ways to win, even if it means overhead kicks in 90 plus five minutes.,” he told England’s Euro 2024 Diary Room.
“The difference in emotion is huge – it’s one minute being dead and buried, as I saw the Slovakia bench all ready to run on and you feel a bit disheartened and a bit gutted. It’s not the way I would’ve wanted it to end – I’m having a good time here with all the lads and the staff and one moment later, it all changes.”
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