Jude Bellingham ‘could be BANNED from England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland’ after his X-rated gesture during win over Slovakia
- Jude Bellingham made an X-rated gesture while celebrating against Slovakia
- The England star said it was an ‘inside joke’, but UEFA could choose to ban him
- LISTEN to It All Begins! EUROS DAILY: England don’t look like a team… they’ve gotten away with it again
Jude Bellingham’s ‘inside joke’ could see him miss Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.
The Real Madrid star was England’s saviour in the round of 16 when he scored a spectacular equaliser against Slovakia in the 95th minute.
England won 2-1 against Slovakia after extra time thanks to a winning goal from captain Harry Kane.
But Bellingham found himself in trouble after making an X-rated gesture, apparently aimed at one of the benches, as he celebrated his special goal.
The 21-year-old man moved his right hand from his face to his crotch, then moved it back and forth as he stared at the sideline.
Jude Bellingham (right) could be in trouble after a gesture he made on Sunday night
The gesture was made shortly after Bellingham scored a stunning goal against Slovakia
This was seen by many as an insulting gesture aimed at the Slovak bank.
However, Bellingham later explained via social media that it was an “inside joke” meant as a gesture to some close friends who were present at the game.
He added: ‘Nothing but respect for the way the Slovakian team played tonight.’
Despite Bellingham’s explanation, Portuguese newspaper A bola has reported that UEFA may warrant a one-match suspension for this act.
Such a punishment would be a major blow to Gareth Southgate and his England team, who scored just four goals in four games at this summer’s European Championship, two of which Bellingham scored.
England star Bellingham received the Player of the Match award in Gelsenkirchen
But Bellingham could potentially miss England’s next match if UEFA decides to ban him
Gareth Southgate desperately hopes Bellingham is available against Switzerland
With or without Bellingham, England starts Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland as favorites, at least according to the bookmakers.
However, the Three Lions will likely need to produce their best performance of the tournament so far to beat the impressive team that knocked out Italy in the round of 16.