Bellingham and Declan Rice set to escape bans at Euro 2024 for x-rated gesture

Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are not expected to face UEFA charges after a fiery end to England’s dramatic win over Slovakia.

After his 95th minute overhead kick saved the Three Lions from defeat, Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham was seen making an apparent crude gesture towards to the Slovakia bench.

However, he was quick to take to social media to point out that the gesture was an in joke aimed towards close friends who were in the stands. ‘Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,’ he added, on X.

Later, after Harry Kane had scored a winner in extra-time, Rice was involved in a heated exchange with opposition manager Francesco Calzone, which led to him being held back by Aaron Ramsdale. Rice appeared to call the Italian, who had tried to approach the officials, a ‘bald ****’.

Mail Sport understands that UEFA have no plans to charge the pair, with fines or bans are unlikely. That means that both should be available for England’s quarter-final against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday.

Despite Bellingham's explanation, some outlets - including Portuguese newspaper A Bola - reported that UEFA may consider the act worthy of a one-match ban.

Such a punishment would be a big blow to Gareth Southgate and his England side, who have only scored four goals in four games at this summer's Euros - with Bellingham netting two of those.

It is not the first time the gesture has been made by an individual in football. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone made an apology after a similar gesture in the Champions League in 2019, when his side beat Juventus.

His 'cojones' gesture was then mimicked by Cristiano Ronaldo in the return leg, as the Italian club produced an incredible comeback to win 3-2 on aggregate.

However, the Portuguese star escaped a ban, and was instead fined €20,000 for 'improper conduct' by UEFA.

Meanwhile, Slovakia boss Calzona later revealed what sparked his confrontation with England midfielder Rice and explained that he wanted to complain about their failure to punish time-wasting tactics during extra time.

'Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave,' Calzona said. 'I had to speak to the refs and he wasn't leaving.'

Expert lipreader Jeremy Freeman told Mail Sport that during the altercation, a furious Rice said: 'Shut up, p***y, oi, shut up, you bald ****.'

England already have one suspension concern, with Marc Guehi unavailable for their clash in the next round after picking up a booking early on in Gelsenkirchen.

It was the Crystal Palace defender's second of the tournament - after being booked in the 0-0 draw with Slovenia - meaning he will miss the clash on July 6.

With or without Bellingham, England will start Saturday's quarter-final against Switzerland as favourites, at least among the bookmakers.

However, the Three Lions will likely need to produce their best performance of the tournament so far to overcome an impressive outfit that knocked out Italy in the round of 16.