Jude Bellingham’s joyous “inside joke” may result in a ban from Saturday’s England vs. Switzerland Euro 2024 quarterfinal. When the Real Madrid player spectacularly kicked an overhead kick to force extra time in the semifinal against England on Sunday night, the team was heading for one of their most humbling losses ever.
The 2-1 victory was ensured by Captain Harry Kane, who headed home Ivan Toney’s cross to set up a quarterfinal meeting with Switzerland in Düsseldorf. However, following the 21-year-old’s controversial celebrations, stories have emerged suggesting that England may have to miss Bellingham’s quarterfinal match.
While celebrating his amazing goal, Bellingham made what looked to be an X-rated gesture, moving his hand from his face to his groin, seemingly aimed at one of the benches. However, Bellingham later clarified on X that the act was “an inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.” He continued, “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakian team played tonight.”
Jude Bellingham might set to avoid ban for upcoming huge match
In addition to holding the authority to suspend both players from Saturday’s quarterfinal matchup against Switzerland, UEFA was awaiting the official report from the match referee. Nonetheless, Mail Sport reports that it is doubtful that the two England midfielders, who are both eligible to start this weekend, will get any sanctions from the European governing body.
The rules of the game state that any “obscene gesture” or “offensive or insulting action” should result in a red card, although it looks unlikely that the 20-year-old will face any serious consequences. Following the final whistle, Rice got into a fight with Slovakia’s head coach, and Francesco Calzona shoved him.
He was still talking when I had to talk to the refs. It all came to an end when he apologized.
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