- Jude Bellingham made an X-rated gesture while celebrating against Slovakia
- UEFA have now confirmed they will investigate the England star’s actions
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Is Gareth Southgate’s LACK of ego a strength or a weakness for England?
Jude Bellingham is to be investigated for a ‘potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct’ after he made a seemingly-crude gesture following his dramatic equaliser against Slovakia last night.
UEFA have launched a disciplinary probe amid claims the England star directed his gesture towards the Slovakia bench in Gelsenkirchen.
The player himself was quick to take to social media to point out that the act was an in joke aimed towards close friends who were in the stands. ‘Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,’ he added, on X.
However, UEFA have announced that an inspector ‘will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct’ by Bellingham ‘having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.
They have also charged the FA with lack of order or discipline by supporters and the lighting of fireworks.
Jude Bellingham (right) is under investigation for appearing to make an X-rated gesture during England’s dramatic 2-1 win over Slovakia in the round of 16 at Euro 2024
The gesture was made shortly after Bellingham had scored a stunning goal against Slovakia
Later, after Harry Kane had scored a winner in extra-time, Declan Rice was involved in a heated exchange with opposition manager Francesco Calzona, which led to him being held back by Aaron Ramsdale. Rice appeared to call the Italian, who had tried to approach the officials, a ‘bald ****’.
Expert lipreader Jeremy Freeman told Mail Sport that during the altercation, a furious Rice said: ‘Shut up, p***y, oi, shut up, you bald ****.’
Mail Sport understands that UEFA have no plans to charge Rice.
UEFA also confirmed that ‘disciplinary proceedings’ have been opened against the FA amid crowd trouble at the match.
In a statement, they said: ‘Following the review of the officials reports for ENG-SVK match, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the English Football Association for lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances. The CEDB will take a decision on this case in due course’.
Any form of suspension would be a big blow to Gareth Southgate and his England side, who have only scored four goals in four games at this summer’s Euros – with Bellingham netting two of those.
England star Bellingham was presented with a Player of the Match award in Gelsenkirchen
Cristiano Ronaldo was fined by UEFA for a similar gesture in 2019, but escaped a suspension
It is not the first time the gesture has been made by an individual in football. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone made an apology after a similar gesture in the Champions League in 2019, when his side beat Juventus.
His ‘cojones’ gesture was then mimicked by Cristiano Ronaldo in the return leg, as the Italian club produced an incredible comeback to win 3-2 on aggregate.
However, the Portuguese star escaped a ban, and was instead fined €20,000 for ‘improper conduct’ by UEFA.
Meanwhile, Slovakia boss Calzona later revealed what sparked his confrontation with England midfielder Rice and explained that he wanted to complain about their failure to punish time-wasting tactics during extra time.
‘Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave,’ Calzona said. ‘I had to speak to the refs and he wasn’t leaving.’
Rice was pushed by another member of the Slovakia coaching staff during the altercation
He then had to be pulled back by England team-mates as they tried to defuse the situation
England already have one suspension concern, with Marc Guehi unavailable for their clash in the next round after picking up a booking early on in Gelsenkirchen.
It was the Crystal Palace defender’s second of the tournament – after being booked in the 0-0 draw with Slovenia – meaning he will miss the clash on July 6.
With or without Bellingham, England will start Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland as favourites, at least among the bookmakers.
However, the Three Lions will likely need to produce their best performance of the tournament so far to overcome an impressive outfit that knocked out Italy in the round of 16.
