UEFA Investigating Jude Bellingham Over Gesture Following Euro 2024 Match

UEFA has initiated an investigation into England midfielder Jude Bellingham for a gesture he made after scoring a late equalizer against Slovakia in Sunday's Euro 2024 round-of-16 match.

According to European football's governing body, the gesture in question potentially violates "the basic rules of decent conduct." Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture toward the Slovakian bench after scoring an overhead kick in stoppage time.

Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid, clarified on social media that the gesture was an "inside-joke" directed at close friends present at the game, and not aimed at the Slovakian team.

If found guilty of breaching UEFA's ethical conduct rules, the 21-year-old midfielder could face sanctions including a suspension, a fine, or both. The specific regulation under consideration is article 11/2b, which mandates respect for principles such as ethical conduct, integrity, and sportsmanship.

England ultimately triumphed 2-1 in extra time, setting up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Saturday.

Following the incident, Bellingham responded on social media, stating: "An inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."

This isn't the first time Bellingham has been involved in such a gesture, having previously made a similar move while playing for Real Madrid and celebrating a late goal for England in a friendly against Belgium earlier this year.

Bellingham, reflecting on England's victory, expressed satisfaction in being able to respond to critics: "You hear people talk a lot of rubbish. It's nice when you can deliver and give them a little bit back."

In a comparable incident, Cristiano Ronaldo received a fine but avoided suspension for a similar gesture during a Champions League match in 2019. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone also faced a fine for a similar action during the same competition.

Sports editor Dan Roan analyzed the situation, noting that Bellingham and England manager Gareth Southgate await UEFA's decision following what could be a prolonged investigation period. Similar past cases suggest that while a fine is probable, the severity of the penalty will hinge on Bellingham's explanation and Slovakia's perception of the incident.