Jude Bellingham May Avoid The Ban On Playing Because Of The Celebration Gesture

British national team star Jude Bellingham (photo: eufa.com)

JAKARTA - England's national team star, Jude Bellingham, is unlikely to be banned from playing in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals against Switzerland. UEFA has started an investigation into the gestures Real Madrid deemed inappropriate after scoring an equaliser for England against Slovakia.

The 21-year-old is being investigated by regulatory agencies for "potential violations of basic rules of feasible behavior" after he made a gesture towards his groin, which appeared to be aimed at Slovakia's bench on Sunday.

If found guilty, UEFA has the authority to impose suspension sanctions for the breach, leading to concerns that Bellingham may miss the next England match against Switzerland in Dusseldorf.

After the last 16 match, Bellingham said on social media that his actions were "internal jokes" aimed not at opponents, but at a group of "close friends" who sat near the stands.

Although the final decision has not yet been made, The Mirror reports that Bellingham will likely face no ban from UEFA, where fines are the most likely outcome if he is found guilty.

Previous similar cases, such as gestures from Cristiano Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone in the 2019 Champions League, resulted in fines of around 17,000 pounds for each, but no restrictions were given.

In a statement issued on Monday, UEFA said: "A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation into potential violations of basic rules of feasible behavior by England Football Association player Jude Bellingham, who allegedly occurred in this match. Information on this matter will be delivered in due course."

The report adds that Bellingham's case is complex due to opacities regarding what qualifies as a " indecent gesture," as well as potential challenges to prove that the Real Madrid player intends to target Slovakia's bench.

The problem comes after Bellingham scored a spectacular goal with a corner to equalize against Slovakia in extra time, forcing the game to continue into extra time.

Bellingham Feels Under Pressure At Euro 2024?

Bellingham entered the Euros with great hopes at the age of only 21, mostly fueled by his outstanding performances for Real Madrid last season.

The attacking midfielder played an important role in helping Los Blancos win La Liga and Champions League titles, scoring several important goals along the way.

After his save goal against Slovakia, the 21-year-old was also seen shouting "Who else?" When asked in a post-match interview, he said: "Why 'Who Else?'zits make you so. This is a combination of many things."

"Playing for England is a great feeling, but also a lot of pressure. You hear people talk a lot of nonsense. It feels good when you can give an answer and reply a little bit," he said.

England captain Harry Kane scored less than two minutes in the first period of extra time to keep the Euro 2024 title The Three Lions alive.

Bellingham and other England players were given a holiday on Tuesday to spend time with their families before continuing training on Wednesday in preparation for the quarter-final match against Switzerland on Saturday, July 6.