Jude Bellingham is at the heart of a UEFA investigation following a gesture he made after scoring against Slovakia but is unlikely to face a ban ahead of England’s Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland
Jude Bellingham will stand by his explanation that his gesture was an in-joke when UEFA quiz him.
European football’s governing body have launched an investigation and are expected to write to the England star and potentially talk to him directly. It comes after Bellingham made a gesture after his wonder goal against Slovakia in Sunday’s last 16 tie.
The England star posted on social media that it was a joke intended for friends and family and insisted that no offence was meant towards Slovakia’s players or coaching staff.
Bellingham’s message said: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Real Madrid star Bellingham also screamed: “Who else?” after the goal and it was a sensational strike under huge pressure. His gesture may have been intended to show it took “balls” to score at such a crucial moment amid high emotion.
Initially, UEFA were going to take no action but, after fall-out on social media, they launched an investigation. However, no decision is expected quickly – the case against Serbia for one of their fans allegedly racially abusing England players was launched two weeks ago and is still outstanding – and it is unlikely Bellingham will get a ban.
Bellingham and other England players were given the day off on Tuesday to relax with families and loved ones before returning to training on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s quarter final with Switzerland.
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Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is battling to be fit to face Switzerland on Saturday after not playing a minute so far in the tournament. Shaw has not played since February after a hamstring injury and, by Saturday, it will be 140 days and Gareth Southgate ’s gamble to pick him has yet to pay off.
John Stones has also declared himself fit after needing heavy strapping on his right knee during the win over Slovakia.
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