Monday, July 1, 2024 -England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham could be banned from the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland as UEFA awaits a report on his X-rated gesture after his goal against Slovakia
The Real Madrid star scored a spectacular equaliser in
the 95th minute against Slovakia to help England to the round of 16.
England went on to beat Slovakia 2-1 after
extra time thanks to a headed winner by captain Harry Kane.
But Bellingham landed himself in
trouble after performing an X-rated gesture, seemingly aimed at one of the
benches, while celebrating his goal.
The 21-year-old was seen moving his right
hand from his face towards his groin, before thrusting it back and forth while
staring towards the sidelines.
However, Bellingham
later explained via social media that it was: 'An inside joke gesture
towards some close friends who were at the game.'
He added: 'Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.'
Portuguese newspaper A Bola has
reported that UEFA may consider the act worthy of a one-match ban.
It is not the first time the gesture has
been made by an individual in football. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone made
an apology after a similar gesture in the Champions League in 2019 when his
side beat Juventus.
His 'cojones' gesture was then mimicked by
Cristiano Ronaldo in the return leg, as the Italian club produced an incredible
comeback to win 3-2 on aggregate.
However, the Portuguese star escaped a ban
and was instead fined €20,000 for 'improper conduct' by UEFA.
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