Jude Bellingham is under investigation by UEFA for allegedly “breaching the basic rules of decent conduct” after making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakia bench during England’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 victory in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on Sunday.
A source revealed that, despite the gesture following his stoppage-time equalizer, a ban from UEFA is unlikely. Instead, Bellingham, 21, could face a fine if found guilty.
Bellingham explained on social media that the gesture was an “inside joke to friends,” but UEFA has tasked its disciplinary body with investigating the incident.
In similar past cases, Cristiano Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone were fined €20,000 for comparable gestures in the 2019 Champions League, but neither received a ban.
England is set to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals in Düsseldorf on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Monday, UEFA said: “A UEFA 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.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
UEFA has charged the English FA with supporter-related issues following the Slovakia game.
The investigation focuses on “lack of order or discipline among supporters” and incidents involving the “lighting of fireworks.”