UEFA has launched an investigation into England midfielder Jude Bellingham following a controversial gesture made after scoring a late equalizer against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 last-16 match on Sunday.
The European football governing body is examining a potential breach of “the basic rules of decent conduct” by Bellingham, who was captured making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after his stoppage-time overhead kick.
Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid, clarified on social media that the gesture was not aimed at England’s opponents but was an inside joke intended for close friends.
If found guilty of violating UEFA’s regulations, the 21-year-old could face disciplinary action, including a possible suspension or fine. Article 11 2b of UEFA’s rules requires all individuals to uphold principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity, and sportsmanship. Any conduct deemed “insulting or otherwise violating the basic rules of decent conduct” may constitute a breach.
England secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory after extra time, setting up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland scheduled for Saturday.
In response to the incident, Bellingham took to social media, stating, “The gesture was an inside-joke directed towards some close friends who attended the game. I have nothing but respect for how the Slovakia team performed tonight.”
A precedent was noted in 2019 when Cristiano Ronaldo received a fine but avoided suspension for making a similar gesture while celebrating a goal for Juventus against Atletico Madrid in a Champions League tie. Atletico’s manager, Diego Simeone, also faced a fine for a similar gesture during the first leg.
Jude Bellingham and the Football Association now await UEFA’s decision on whether charges will be brought against the player. The investigation is expected to conclude in the coming days.
