Jude Bellingham is in UEFA’s sights. After the England player’s dubious celebration against Slovakia (2-1 aet) on Sunday in the round of 16 of the Euro, the body announced on Monday the opening of a disciplinary investigation. Author of the equalizing goal in the final minutes, the Madrid player celebrated his goal with his arms outstretched, as is his custom. But before the restart of play, he raised his hands to his crotch as he passed in front of the Slovakian bench, which was interpreted as a possible obscene gesture and provocation.
European football’s governing body announced that it had opened a “disciplinary investigation” under the aegis of an “ethics and disciplinary inspector” into possible inappropriate behaviour by Bellingham. The UEFA statement did not provide any details on the nature of the alleged facts.
The 21-year-old Real Madrid phenomenon posted a message on the X platform (formerly Twitter) to deny any bad intentions. The gesture was nothing more than a “private joke towards close friends who were at the match,” he said, adding that he had “nothing but respect” for Slovakia.
Uefa said a decision on him would be communicated “in due course”. England will play their quarter-final against Switzerland in Düsseldorf on Saturday.
Lequipe.fr
