Jude Bellingham is facing a potential ban at Euro 2024 following his apparent gesture aimed at the Slovakia bench. Here's how long he could be banned for should UEFA take action against the England star.
Bellingham produced a moment of magic in the 95th minute of England's last-16 tie against Slovakia to force the game into extra-time, where Harry Kane headed home his side's winner.
Bellingham's stunning bicycle kick goal was his second strike of the tournament following his winner against Serbia in their opener.
After his goal against Slovakia, he seemed to taunt the Slovakia bench, which he denied on social media after the match in Gelsenkirchen.
Following a UEFA U-turn, an investigation into Bellingham's actions has been launched for potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct.
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He's not the first person in football to make such a gesture during a match as Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone performed the same taunt during a Champions League clash back in 2019.
He was forced to make an apology when his side beat Juventus.
And his 'cojones' gestured was then mimicked by Cristiano Ronaldo in the return leg as Juve produced a stunning comeback.
Ronaldo, however, escaped a ban but was fined €20,000 for improper conduct by UEFA.
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So, it bodes well for Bellingham as he could also escape a ban at Euro 2024 considering how UEFA dealt with Simeone and Ronaldo.
But European's football governing body has previously taken action against Marko Arnautovic when he insulted a North Macedonia player in Austria's win at Euro 2020.
Back then, Arnautovic picked up a one-match ban after UEFA appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator to review the incident.
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A one-match suspension appears to be the maximum length of ban for the Real Madrid star if UEFA punish him following his gesture.
Gareth Southgate will he hoping to have Bellingham available for when the Three Lions resume their campaign on Saturday against Switzerland.
Topics: Jude Bellingham, England, UEFA, Euro 2024, Football
Nasir Jabbar