UEFA has charged Jude Bellingham with “violating the basic rules of decent conduct,” but the England midfielder will not face an immediate ban.
UEFA was investigating Bellingham for a gesture he made while celebrating his spectacular overhead kick against Slovakia in the last-16 tie last Sunday. After scoring, he shouted “Who else?!” while running to the England fans, followed by kissing his hand and grabbing his crotch in a gesture seemingly directed toward the side of the pitch.
Amid accusations of disrespect towards the Slovakian bench or their supporters, Bellingham clarified on social media: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspector reviewed the incident and issued their decision the day before England’s next match.
UEFA fined Bellingham €30,000 and imposed a one-match suspension for “violating the basic rules of decent conduct.” However, this suspension is not immediate and is subject to a probationary period of one year from the date of the decision.
This ruling means that Gareth Southgate will have Bellingham available for the crucial quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.
Bellingham could have faced a fine of up to €100,000 and a suspension for multiple matches.
Additionally, England’s Football Association was fined €10,000 for crowd disturbances during the game against Slovakia and a further €1,000 for the lighting of fireworks.
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