FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — England star Jude Bellingham is being investigated by UEFA over a potentially offensive gesture made during the European Championship win against Slovakia.
UEFA said Monday it appointed a disciplinary inspector to look at “a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct.”
Bellingham seemed to make a gesture with his hand toward his crotch after scoring an acrobatic stoppage-time equalizer on Sunday as England went on to win 2-1 in extra time.
Bellingham’s overhead kick with about 80 seconds left in the game saved England from a humiliating exit in the first knockout round.
If UEFA charges Bellingham, he risks being suspended for the quarterfinal against Switzerland on Saturday. However, judging by similar cases in the past, the midfielder is likely to escape with a fine if he is disciplined.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course,” the UEFA said in a statement.
Bellingham took to social media late Sunday to deny suggestions he gestured toward the Slovakia bench.
“An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,” Bellingham wrote on X.
Five years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo — while playing for Juventus — and Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone were each fined 20,000 euros ($22,700) by UEFA for making obscene gestures during their Champions League matchup.
Disgraced former Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales was also involved in a similar incident at the end of the Women’s World Cup final last August. He grabbed his crotch as a victory gesture while Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year-old Princess Sofía were standing nearby.
That offense was overshadowed soon after when Rubiales kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent. Rubiales was barred by FIFA from working in soccer until after the men’s 2026 World Cup.
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AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
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Rephrased content:
England’s Jude Bellingham is under investigation by UEFA for a potential offensive gesture made during the European Championship match against Slovakia. The incident occurred after Bellingham scored an overhead kick in stoppage time to help England secure a 2-1 victory in extra time.
UEFA announced on Monday that a disciplinary inspector has been appointed to examine the situation, citing a possible violation of decency rules. Bellingham’s gesture towards his crotch after scoring raised concerns, prompting UEFA to take action.
If UEFA decides to charge Bellingham, he could face a suspension for the upcoming quarterfinal match against Switzerland on Saturday. However, historical cases suggest that Bellingham might receive only a fine if found guilty.
In response to the allegations, Bellingham took to social media to clarify that the gesture was an inside joke aimed at friends in the crowd, not towards the Slovakia bench. He expressed respect for Slovakia’s performance during the match.
Past incidents involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Simeone resulted in fines from UEFA for similar gestures during a Champions League match. Another incident involved Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish soccer chief, making a disrespectful gesture during the Women’s World Cup final last August.
UEFA is yet to provide further details on the matter, stating that information will be disclosed in due course. For more Euro 2024 updates, visit the official AP Euro 2024 page.
