UEFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into a gesture made by Jude Bellingham after scoring a dramatic overhead kick that secured England’s place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
The Real Madrid midfielder’s 95th-minute goal levelled the match against Slovakia, which England ultimately won 2-1 after extra time.
Following his stunning goal, Bellingham was seen on camera mimicking a crotch grab while apparently looking towards the Slovakian bench. UEFA released a statement indicating that they are investigating “a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.”
Bellingham took to social media to clarify the gesture, stating that it was an inside joke directed at close friends in attendance, and was not meant as disrespect towards the Slovakian team. “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,” Bellingham posted on X.
The investigation comes as England prepares to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Source:3news.com