Jude Bellingham was captured on camera making a gesture following his dramatic equaliser for England against Slovakia on Sunday; midfielder insisted his actions were an "inside joke" among "friends"; England went on to beat Slovakia in extra-time to reach Euro 2024 last eight
Kaveh Solhekol talks through the UEFA investigation into Jude Bellingham's conduct, after a gesture he made following his late goal in England's Euro 2024 knockout match against Slovakia
UEFA will open an investigation into Jude Bellingham following England's Euro 2024 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.
The governing body is understood to be looking into an alleged gesture made by Bellingham following his dramatic equaliser in the 95th minute in Gelsenkirchen.
UEFA will open an investigation into Jude Bellingham following England's Euro 2024 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.
The governing body is understood to be looking into an alleged gesture made by Bellingham following his dramatic equaliser in the 95th minute in Gelsenkirchen.
A statement from UEFA read: "A 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."
Bellingham responded to suggestions the gesture was made towards the Slovakia bench, writing on X: "An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.
"Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."
What punishment could Bellingham potentially face?
"Jude Bellingham potentially is in hot water and he may have some explaining to do. UEFA have announced they are investigating allegations he made an offensive gesture after he scored.
"Straight after the game, Bellingham posted on X it was what he called 'an inside joke' towards friends and that he had nothing but respect for how that Slovakia side played.
"He seemed to look to his side, touch his face and make this gesture.
"If he's found guilty by UEFA he could be facing a suspension or a fine or both. But I think it's very unlikely he will be suspended for any games in this tournament. My understanding is in these cases a fine is more likely. And there's no guarantee the investigation would be completed before the end of this tournament in two weeks' time.
"Five years ago, in a Champions League game, Cristiano Ronaldo was playing for Juventus and a UEFA disciplinary body decided he had made an offensive gesture as well, which is similar to the gesture Bellingham is alleged to have made. Ronaldo wasn't banned, he received a fine - 20,000 Euros. So there is a precedent for this kind of thing."
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