Jude Bellingham could still be punished by UEFA for his X-rated gesture during England’s heart stopping Euro 2024 win against Slovakia.
The Real Madrid superstar dug his teammates out of trouble with a dramatic, acrobatic overhead kick to send the contest to extra time and help the Three Lions avoid an embarrassing last 16 exit.
Skipper Harry Kane capitalised on Bellingham’s rescue act and scored the decisive goal just a minute into the first additional period to set-up Saturday’s quarter final clash against Switzerland.
Bellingham, however, faces an anxious wait to see what sort of sanction he might face after he was spotted making a gesture with his hands towards his groin as he looked in the direction of the two dugouts.
The 20-year-old was initially accused of provoking the Slovakian coaching team and substitutes, but the midfielder insists the gesture was aimed at a group of friends sitting in the stands.
In a response to the video on X, Bellingham wrote: ‘An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.’
The laws of the game indicate any ‘obscene gesture’ or ‘offensive or insulting action’ should be punishable by a red card.
UEFA are currently awaiting the report from the match official and will review it carefully before deciding whether or not action will be taken.
Bellingham also celebrated his wonder goal by raising his arms and shouting ‘Who else?’ before seemingly gesturing a talking expression with his hand.
‘The adrenaline gets you,” he said when asked what was behind the celebration.
‘It’s a combination of a lot of things. Playing for England is an enjoyable feeling but it’s also a lot of pressure. You hear people talk a lot of rubbish. It’s nice when you can deliver and give them a little bit back.
‘It’s very difficult when you talk in press conferences and interviews to talk as openly as footballers want to because they’re always judged.
‘For me, football, being on the pitch, scoring goals and celebrating is my release. Maybe it was a message to a few people. I was very happy at the end, lots of adrenaline.
‘It’s a feeling that is like no other. In international football, in knockout football, it’s even a worse feeling, because you’re 30 seconds from going home.
‘Having to listen to all the rubbish, feeling like you have let a nation of people down. In one kick of the ball, everything can change.’
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