Bellingham faces UEFA investigation for improper conduct

England are still alive in Euro 2024for now. Gareth Southgate's men overcame their worst form to reach the quarter-finals of the European Championship after a 95th-minute Jude Bellingham strike that sent the match into overtime.

However, after qualifying to face Swiss in the next round, the England The team could suffer a major blow as its star player could be suspended for his actions in Gelsenkirchen.

“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspection will conduct a disciplinary investigation into a possible breach of fundamental rules of decent conduct by an English player. Jude Bellinghamthat allegedly took place in the context of this match,” a statement said. The England player scored the equaliser in the final minute of added time and made a movement, allegedly touching his private parts, towards rival substitutes in the dugout area. Cameras panned to Bellingham as he returned to the pitch with Harry Kane after the celebration and that's when all the controversy erupted.

The gesture, the possible sanction and Jude's response

The England number 10 kissed his right hand before moving it towards his private parts. Although the gesture was not recorded by the referee Halil Umut MelerThe England player is facing sanctions from UEFA for the move and could face disciplinary action from European football's governing body.

“A joking gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for the way this Slovakian team played tonight,” the Bellingham defender said on X.

But the rules are clear: “Any obscene gesture or offensive or insulting action must be punished with a red card.” And the same source adds that “the UEFA disciplinary body will await the reports of the match referee and other officials before deciding on any possible action,” it specifies. UEFA understands that there may have been an insult by the English player towards the opponent, which the Real Madrid player firmly denies and which will have to be analyzed to determine whether or not a sanction is warranted.