Jude Bellingham appeared to make a gesture towards the Slovakia bench in England’s win at Euro 2024.
UEFA has performed a U-turn on Jude Bellingham following his apparent gesture aimed at the Slovakia bench in England’s dramatic win at Euro 2024.
England beat Slovakia 2-1 on Sunday to book their spot in the next round of the tournament.
Jude Bellingham scored a stunning bicycle kick goal deep, deep into stoppage time to force the last-16 clash into extra-time following Ivan Schranz’s opener.
Harry Kane headed home in extra-time to seal England’s passage to the quarter-finals.
After the result, Bellingham took to social media to clarify his gesture following his goal.
Initial reports suggested that there were no plans to charge the star midfielder.
But UEFA has now confirmed an investigation into the England player’s actions have been launched for potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct.
UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector ‘will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English FA player, Jude Bellingham’.
In a statement, UEFA said: “The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.
“Furthermore, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding 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.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring a goal for England against Slovakia. Image: Getty
The 21-year-old is now at risk of receiving a ban at Euro 2024, which would rule him out of England’s game against Switzerland on Saturday.
Any form of suspension would be a major blow to Gareth Southgate, who is already without Marc Guehi for their quarter-final tie in Dusseldorf.
Bellingham has scored two goals for England at Euro 2024, including his winner against Serbia in their tournament opener.
He’s been influential for the Three Lions in Germany following a prolific campaign at Real Madrid last season.
