UEFA makes decision on Jude Bellingham ban for Euros quarter-final over controversial gesture
UEFA has made a decision over its investigation into Jude Bellingham's behaviour following England's dramatic win against Slovakia.
There were worries that the star man, who plays for Real Madrid, was going to be banned for the Euro 2024 quarter final against Switzerland.
The game takes place on Saturday (6 July) at 5pm, with pubs up and down England expected to be packed out to cheer on the Three Lions.
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After England's dramatic win against Slovakia in the round of 16, in which Bellingham scored a 95th minute overhead kick to take it to extra time, the Brummie made an X-rated gesture.
But brushing it, using a yawn and red cross emojis, the Real Madrid star wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.
“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
The rules of the game indicate any ‘obscene gesture’ or ‘offensive or insulting action’ made by those on the pitch should be punishable by a red card, which would result in a ban.
Now, making a decision the day before the big match, UEFA has chosen to give Bellingham a massive €30,000 (£25,300) fine.
He will be able to play against Switzerland tomorrrow, with a one match ban given against him, but suspended for one year.
The ruling says the ban is 'subject to a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision'. In other words, if he does similar in the next year, he could face serving the ban.
Bellingham is now to set to star alongside Manchester City ace Phil Foden in a rejigged England side which is likely to see manager Gareth Southgate return to using a three at the back system.
With centre back Marc Guéhi suspended after picking up another yellow card against Slovakia, he is expected to move Kyle Walker to centre back alongside John Stones, with Eric Konsa coming in to replace Guéhi.
The wing backs are likely to be Bukayo Saka on the left and either Kieran Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right.
Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett reported this system is now ‘likely’.
“I think that’s what Gareth Southgate is absolutely planning to do,” he said.
“To change his team pretty radically and rip up the plan that he’s had so far in Euro 2024."
England played three at the back in the final of Euro 2020, which was lost to Italy on penalties.
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Euro 2024, Football, Sport
Tom Earnshaw