July 1 – UEFA is investigating England saviour Jude Bellingham for a gesture he made following his late equaliser against Slovakia in Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie.
The case concerns a possible offensive gesture and UEFA has appointed a disciplinary inspector to look at “a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct.”
Bellingham seemed to make a move with his hand toward his crotch after scoring the acrobatic stoppage-time leveller as England went on to win 2-1 in extra time. His audacious bicycle kick with about 80 seconds left in the game saved England from a humiliating exit.
If UEFA charges Bellingham, he risks being suspended for the quarterfinal against Switzerland on Saturday. However, judging by similar cases in the past, the midfielder is likely to escape with a fine if he is disciplined.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course,” the UEFA said in a statement.
Bellingham took to social media late Sunday to deny suggestions he gestured toward the Slovakia bench.
“An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,” Bellingham wrote on X.
The rule in question is article 11/2b, which requires anyone subject to UEFA regulations to respect the “principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship”. Anyone whose conduct is “insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct” could be in breach.
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