- Jude Bellingham made an X gesture while celebrating against Slovakia
- The England star said it was an “inside joke” but UEFA could choose to suspend him
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Jude Bellingham’s ‘inside joke’ could see him miss England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.
The Real Madrid star was England’s savior in the round of 16 by scoring a spectacular 95th-minute equalizer against Slovakia.
England beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra time thanks to a headed goal from captain Harry Kane.
But Bellingham got into trouble after making a pornographic gesture, apparently directed at one of the dugouts, while celebrating his special goal.
The 21-year-old was seen moving his right hand from his face to his groin, before pushing it back and forth as he looked to the side.
Jude Bellingham (right) could be in trouble for a gesture he made on Sunday night.
The gesture came shortly after Bellingham scored a spectacular goal against Slovakia.
Many considered it an offensive gesture directed at the Slovak bench.
However, Bellingham later explained via social media that it was: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.”
He added: “Nothing but respect for the way the Slovakia team played tonight.”
Despite Bellingham’s explanation, the Portuguese newspaper A ball has reported that UEFA may consider the act worthy of a one-match ban.
Such a punishment would be a blow to Gareth Southgate and his England team, who have only scored four goals in four games at this summer’s European Championship (and Bellingham scored two of them).
England star Bellingham received the Man of the Match award in Gelsenkirchen
But Bellingham could miss England’s next match if UEFA decides to sanction him.
Gareth Southgate desperately hopes to have Bellingham available against Switzerland
With or without Bellingham, England will start Saturday’s quarter-final match 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 side that eliminated Italy in the last 16.