UEFA Investigating Jude Bellingham’s Actions During Euro 2024 Match

UEFA is conducting an investigation into Jude Bellingham’s actions during the Euro 2024 match to determine if he made an inappropriate gesture.

UEFA is currently conducting an investigation into England’s Jude Bellingham regarding a potentially inappropriate gesture made during the recent European Championship victory against Slovakia.

UEFA announced on Monday the appointment of a disciplinary inspector to investigate a potential breach of the fundamental principles of appropriate behavior.

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.

England narrowly avoided an embarrassing first-round elimination when Bellingham scored an overhead kick with approximately 80 seconds remaining in the match.

If UEFA charges Bellingham, he may face suspension for the quarterfinal match against Switzerland on Saturday. However, based on precedent, the midfielder will likely receive a fine if he is disciplined.

“Information on this matter will be made available in due course,” the UEFA said in a statement.

Bellingham used social media on Sunday evening to refute allegations that he made a gesture 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, during a Champions League match between Juventus and Atletico Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Diego Simeone were each fined 20,000 euros ($22,700) by UEFA for making inappropriate gestures.

Former Spanish soccer executive Luis Rubiales was involved in an inappropriate incident at the conclusion of the Women's World Cup final in August. He made an offensive gesture while in close proximity to Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Sofía..

The aforementioned offense was swiftly eclipsed by an incident involving Rubiales, who engaged in an unsolicited and inappropriate kiss on the lips of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso. Consequently, FIFA has imposed a professional restriction on Rubiales, barring him from participating in soccer-related activities until after the conclusion of the 2026 Men's World Cup.

July 01, 2024