England midfielder, Jude Bellingham, is under investigation by Uefa for a gesture he made after scoring a late equalizer against Slovakia on Sunday in their Euro 2024 last-16 match.
Bellingham is under investigation for what the European Football Association (EFA) described as a “potential violation” of “the basic rules of decent conduct”.
Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring an overhead kick in stoppage time.
The Real Madrid player claimed on social media that it was an inside joke meant for a few close friends rather than criticizing England’s opponents.
The 21-year-old may be subject to a fine, a suspension, or both if it is determined that he violated the rules.
Article 11 2b of the relevant regulations stipulates that all individuals subject to Uefa regulations must adhere to the “principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity, and sportsmanship.”
A person may be in violation if their behavior is “insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct”.
England won 2-1 after extra time to set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland on Saturday.
Bellingham posted the following in response to the incident 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.”
When Cristiano Ronaldo made a similar gesture in 2019 during the Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid Champions League second-leg match, he was fined but spared a ban.
Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, was also fined for the gesture he made during the first leg.
