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Jude Bellingham has to pay a fine for celebrating in Slovakia and is banned from probation

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Louise Thomas

UEFA has accused Jude Bellingham of “breaching basic rules of decent conduct”, but the player will not be immediately banned.

England midfielder Bellingham faced a ban after UEFA launched an investigation into a gesture he made while celebrating his spectacular overhead kick in the round of 16 against Slovakia last Sunday.

After his goal, Bellingham shouted “Who else?!” and ran towards the English fans. The video shows the Real Madrid striker kissing his hand and grabbing his crotch – a gesture that was apparently directed towards the edge of the pitch.

Amid allegations that he disrespected the Slovakian bench or their fans, Bellingham explained his behavior on social media, tweeting: “An inside gesture to some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for the Slovakian team’s performance tonight.”

The incident was referred to UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, who announced his decision one day before England’s next match.

UEFA fined Bellingham €30,000 and banned him for “a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would otherwise have been available” for breaching the basic rules of good conduct. This ban will not be enforced immediately and will be subject to a probationary period of one year from the date of this decision.

Gareth Southgate Bellingham is therefore available for the decisive quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.

Bellingham would have faced a fine of up to 100,000 euros and a ban for a certain number of games.

The English Football Association was fined 10,000 euros for spectator riots at the match against Slovakia, and a further 1,000 euros for setting off fireworks.