Jude Bellingham: UEFA investigates England midfielder’s gesture after goal against Slovakia | Football news

UEFA will launch an investigation into Jude Bellingham following England’s victory over Slovakia at the 2024 European Championship on Sunday.

UEFA’s disciplinary committees are not commenting on their investigations, but are understood to be looking into a gesture made by Bellingham after his dramatic 95th-minute equaliser in Gelsenkirchen.

A UEFA statement said: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will open a disciplinary investigation into a possible breach of the basic rules of good conduct by English Football Association player Jude Bellingham, which is alleged to have occurred in the context of this match.”

Responding to speculation that the gesture was directed at the Slovakian bench, Bellingham wrote on X: “An insider gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.”

“Nothing but respect for the performance of the Slovakian team tonight.”

Bellingham’s overhead kick came just seconds from time to send the game into extra time. Harry Kane scored a second goal to secure a place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland on Saturday.

Analysis: If Bellingham is found guilty, a fine is more likely than a ban

Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“Jude Bellingham may be in trouble and may have some explaining to do. UEFA has announced it is investigating allegations that he made an offensive gesture after scoring his goal.

“Immediately after the game, Bellingham posted on X that it was, as he called it, an ‘inside joke’ between friends and that he had nothing but respect for the performance of the Slovakian team.

“He seemed to look to the side, touch his face and make this gesture.

“If he is found guilty by UEFA, he could face a suspension or a fine or both. But I think it is very unlikely that he will be banned for a single match in this tournament. From what I understand, a fine is more likely in these cases. And there is no guarantee that the investigation will be completed before the end of the tournament in two weeks.

“Five years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo played for Juventus in a Champions League match and a UEFA disciplinary committee ruled that he had also made an offensive gesture similar to the one Bellingham is accused of. Ronaldo was not banned, he was fined €20,000. So there is a precedent for this kind of thing.”

Kane: Bellingham saved England’s tournament

Captain of the English national team Harry Kane At ITV Sports:

“That is the wish and attitude of the boys and everyone involved.

“It looked tough for a second, but you just keep going. We work on so many details all week, a few days ago we made a long throw.

“We said, ‘We might need it, be prepared for anything,’ and Jude does what Jude does. What an incredible goal. It kept our tournament alive.”

“All I can say is the support was incredible. I know the fans at home would have enjoyed it. What a win.”

On Bellingham’s goal: “One of the best in the history of our country, I believe.

“What a player he is. He works so hard for the team, there has been a lot of talk about him in the last few days but he has shown what he can do.

“He is there in the important moments and that is what we need.”