England booked their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a narrow 2-1 extra-time win over Slovakia in the round of 16.
The Three Lions struggled during their first knockout clash in Gelsenkirchen before a midfield star came to their rescue in the last minute. Judas Bellingham.
The Real Madrid star scored a spectacular equaliser in the dying seconds of normal time to force extra time, with captain Harry Kane’s goal securing Gareth Southgate’s victory.
Bellingham has been instrumental in England’s campaign but the 21-year-old now faces a UEFA investigation following the controversy over his goal against Slovakia.
What did Jude Bellingham do?
On 1 July, UEFA confirmed that its Ethics and Disciplinary Board had opened an investigation into Bellingham, which centres on a possible breach by the midfielder of the “basic rules of decent conduct”.
Bellingham was seen making a gesture of grabbing his crotch after scoring his spectacular bicycle kick. The player later claimed on social media that it was “an inside joke” to friends inside the stadium, and not directed at the opposition bench. However, UEFA is investigating the matter.
?❌- An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how the Slovakia team played tonight.?? https://t.co/H8sETMkPoi
-Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) June 30, 2024
The suggestion is that Bellingham may have breached rule 11 2b in UEFA disciplinary regulations The article in question establishes that every person subject to UEFA regulations must “comply with the principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship.” Article 11 makes it clear that any person “whose conduct is insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct” will have committed a breach of those principles.
Will Jude Bellingham get Euro 2024 ban?
England fans will now wait to see whether UEFA decides to charge Bellingham with an offence and what the possible punishment might be. However, precedent suggests a fine may be more likely than a suspension.
Cristiano Ronaldo was fined but avoided a ban for making a similar gesture while celebrating a Juventus goal against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie in 2019. Atletico manager Diego Simeone was also fined for making a similar gesture during the first leg.
Jude Bellingham’s Euro 2024 stats: How important is he to England?
Bellingham has been vital for England at Euro 2024, scoring two of their four goals and winning two Man of the Match awards in his first four matches.
Correct statistics until England vs. Slovakia on June 30 inclusive
- Matches played: 4
- Minutes played: 371
- Shooting on target: 2
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 0
- Passing accuracy: 88.75%
- Maximum speed: 33.5 kilometers per hour
- Distance traveled: 42.07 km
- Tackles gained: 6
- Lost entries: 10
- Yellow cards: 1
When is the England vs Switzerland match? Date and time of the Euro 2024 quarterfinals
England are in action in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals against Switzerland in Saturday July 6th at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf.
The game starts at 6 pm local time (12 pm ET / 5 pm BST).