'Likely scenario' as Jude Bellingham is investigated by UEFA over x-rated gesture

As Jude Bellingham is investigated by UEFA over an x-rated gesture during England's Euros match on Sunday (30 June), there is one ‘likely scenario’.

The England striker claimed he was making an ‘inside joke’ to some close mates in the crowd after scoring against Slovakia.

And to be fair, it was some cause for celebration after his worldie in the 95^th minute took us into extra time after what had been a frustrating bit of football for fans.

But with the Three Lions now through to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals this weekend, people have been left worrying Bellingham would be banned from the match because of his extra celebration.

After fans spotted an ‘incredible thing’ the 21-year-old did, footage shows he then went on to gesture at his crotch, reportedly towards the bench.

While he may have been carelessly swept up in the rush of England finally getting a goal, it goes against the laws of the game which indicate any ‘obscene gesture’ or ‘offensive or insulting action’ made on the pitch should be punishable by a red card.

Something Gareth Southgate’s side certainly doesn’t need right now.

And UEFA made the dreaded announcement it would be investigating yesterday: “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.”

Although, some fans are worrying the worst, plenty of pundits and reporters seem to think the most the lad will face is a fine.

As has been pointed out by many, it’s unsurprisingly not the first time this kind of thing has happened.

Back in 2019, Ronaldo did a similar gesture in celebration while playing for Juventus in the Champions League. UEFA ended up fining him €20,000.

So, that certainly gives some hope that Bellingham won’t end up being banned.

Other echoed on X: “I’ll be very surprised if Jude Bellingham gets banned following UEFA’s investigation. I suspect a fine only - I’ll also be surprised if it’s even decided before the quarter final vs Switzerland.”

Gary Lineker also had his say as he wrote: “For crying out loud, the @EURO2024 celebration police are looking into @BellinghamJude. Ridiculous!”

Perhaps drawing more attention to it, Bellingham himself reshared the clip of the gesture on Sunday evening, writing: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”