A new report reveals UEFA’s expected decision regarding a potential ban for Jude Bellingham at Euro 2024.
Bellingham, aged 21, is currently being investigated by UEFA following a gesture he made after scoring during England’s round of 16 win against Slovakia on Sunday. Following his dramatic equalizer with an overhead kick in injury time, Bellingham gestured towards his groin area. Some on social media speculated that he aimed the gesture at the Slovakian bench.
However, after England’s 2-1 victory, Bellingham clarified that it was a private joke with friends in the stands and emphasized his respect for the Slovakian team’s performance that night.
UEFA initiated an investigation into the incident, sending a letter to Jude Bellingham and the England team to request an explanation. It’s been reported that Bellingham intends to maintain his initial explanation that the gesture was a harmless inside joke.
Concerns arose that he might face suspension for England’s upcoming quarter-final against Switzerland, but a new report from Bild, cited by the Daily Mail, suggests Bellingham will likely avoid a ban and instead receive a substantial fine.
The report compares Bellingham’s situation to a previous incident where he made a similar gesture while playing for Real Madrid without facing investigation. It also mentions a case involving Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez during the 2022 World Cup final, where a similar gesture resulted in a fine rather than a suspension.
Additionally, UEFA is investigating Turkey’s Merih Demiral for performing a ‘Wolf’s Salute’, associated with a far-right extremist group, during their round of 16 match against Austria at Euro 2024.
