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Jude Bellingham will be able to play in England’s Euros quarter-final against Switzerland after escaping a ban.
The playmaker was investigated by UEFA following a seemingly-lewd gesture he made after scoring a 95th minute overhead kick to keep Gareth Southgate’s side in the competition.
After England went on to complete a face-saving win over Slovakia, the 21-year-old took to social media to point out that the gesture, which saw him mimic cupping his testicles, was an ‘inside joke’ aimed towards close friends who were in the stands. ‘Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,’ he added, on X.
UEFA have reviewed the incident and handed the midfielder a suspended one-match ban as well as a £25,000 fine.
Bellingham’s suspension will not be immediately enforced, leaving him free to feature in Saturday’s quarter-final in Dusseldorf.
Jude Bellingham appeared to make an X-rated gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring for England on Sunday
It is subject to a precautionary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision.
Bellingham was given three days to respond to UEFA and it is thought he repeated that stance in his defence. The Slovakian FA were also asked for their reflections.
The star has escape an immediate ban and can play in England’s Euros quarter-final