WHAT DID JUDE BELLINGHAM DO? ENGLAND STAR'S "INSIDE JOKE" GESTURE LEADS TO UEFA INVESTIGATION, POSSIBLE EURO 2024 BAN
England secured their spot in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 via a tight 2-1 extra-time win over Slovakia in the Round of 16.
The Three Lions struggled throughout their first knockout-stage clash in Gelsenkirchen before a late rescue act from midfield star Jude Bellingham.
The Real Madrid star scored a spectacular equaliser in the dying seconds of normal time to force extra time, and captain Harry Kane's goal secured a turnaround victory for Gareth Southgate.
Bellingham has been central to England's campaign but the 21-year-old now faces a UEFA investigation following controversy after his goal against Slovakia.
MORE: Euro 2024 full schedule of matches and latest results, updated LIVE
What did Jude Bellingham do?
On July 1, UEFA confirmed its Ethics and Disciplinary board had opened an investigation into Bellingham, which centres on a potential violation by the midfielder of the the "basic rules of decent conduct".
Bellingham was spotted making a crotch-grabbing gesture after scoring his spectacular bicycle kick. The player later said via social media that it was "an inside joke" to friends inside the stadium, and not aimed at the opposition bench. However, UEFA is looking into the matter.
The suggestion is Bellingham could have breached rule 11 2b in UEFA's disciplinary regulations for 2024. The article in question states that any person subject to UEFA's regulations has to "comply with the principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship". Article 11 makes it clear that anyone "whose conduct is insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct" will have committed a breach of those principles.
Will Jude Bellingham get Euro 2024 ban?
England fans will now wait to see whether UEFA decides to charge Bellingham with an offence, and what the potential punishment might be. However, precedent suggests that a fine could be more likely than a suspension.
Cristiano Ronaldo was fined but avoided a ban for making a similar gesture in celebrating a goal for Juventus against Atletico Madrid in a Champions League Round of16 second-leg tie in 2019. Atletico boss Diego Simeone was also fined for making a similar gesture during the first leg.
Jude Bellingham Euro 2024 stats: How important is he to England?
Bellingham has been vital for England at Euro 2024, scoring two of their four goals, and winning two Player of the Match awards in their opening four games.
Stats correct up to and including England vs. Slovakia June 30
- Matches played: 4
- Minutes played: 371
- Shots on target: 2
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 0
- Passing accuracy: 88.75%
- Top speed: 33.5 km/h
- Distance covered: 42.07 km
- Tackles won: 6
- Tackles lost: 10
- Yellow cards: 1
When is England vs. Switzerland? Date and time of Euro 2024 quarterfinal
England are in action in their Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Switzerland on Saturday, July 6 at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf.
The game kicks off at 6 p.m. local time (12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST).
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