What punishment could Jude Bellingham face after Slovakia celebration?

UEFA has opened an investigation into the England and Real Madrid midfield ahead of the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.

Jude Bellingham was the hero of the day for England as they scraped through their Euro 2024 round-of-16 tie against Slovakia by the skin of their teeth, the Real Madrid midfielder equalising deep into injury time at the end of the second half before Harry Kane won the game for The Three Lions in extra time. However, the 21-year-old is now being investigated by UEFA as a result of his celebration. Could that put his participation against Switzerland in the quarterfinals under threat?

How did Bellingham celebrate against Slovakia? Why is he being investigated?

With Gareth Southgate’s team seemingly set for a shock defeat in the first knockout round, Bellingham spectacularly forced extra time with an overhead kick right at the death. He initially wheeled away in celebration alongside Kane but was then seen kissing his right hand and making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the side of the field, which some interpreted as being aimed at the Slovakian bench.

The purpose of the UEFA investigation is to determine whether that was indeed the case, and if that is the ruling, Bellingham could find himself facing a suspension which would force him to sit out the last-eight tie against the Swiss. It is believed, however, that a ban is unlikely, especially with the midfielder having “explained” himself in public.

“An ethics and disciplinary inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match,” claimed European soccer’s governing body.

How did Bellingham explain his celebration against Slovakia?

By then, Bellingham, aware he could be in bother after the incident was highlighted on social media, had already attempted to diffuse the situation by explaining himself on X after the game.

“An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight”.

Bellingham, who was named LaLiga’s player of the year in his first season with Real Madrid, has scored two of England’s three goals in the tournament so far, including the winner in their opening group game against Serbia.