UEFA demand Jude Bellingham clarify ‘X-rated gesture’ for England or face ban
UEFA have written to England star Jude Bellingham asking him to explain his apparent X-rated gesture during the dramatic win over Slovakia.
UEFA bosses have also contacted the FA to demand an explanation regarding the superstar’s actions. Bellingham is under investigation for a ‘potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct’ following his last-gasp equaliser against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen at Euro 2024 on Sunday night.
Images show Bellingham appearing to cup his privates in a gesture directed towards the Slovakia bench. It’s understood European football’s governing body will also contact all those on the Slovakian bench to get their version of what happened.
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All parties involved will be given 72 hours to respond. Bellingham could face a fine or even a ban if he is subsequently charged with misconduct and found guilty.
But FA bosses are confident the Real Madrid superstar will escape a ban – and that he might not even get dealt with until after Euro 2024 is finished. Bellingham took to social media to defend himself – and claimed the lurid act was a joke aimed towards friends sitting in the stands behind the Slovakian bench.
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And Bellingham, 21, will be forced to repeat such claims as he prepares to respond to UEFA’s demand for an explanation into what happened. England boss Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, is considering axing Phil Foden for Saturday’s crunch quarter final showdown with Switzerland in Dusseldorf.
Foden struggled to make an impact in the extra time win over Slovakia, and Southgate is expected to hand Cole Palmer his first start at the tournament.
