JUDE BELLINGHAM IS 'SET FOR A FIVE-FIGURE FINE BUT WILL ESCAPE A BAN' AFTER X-RATED GESTURE FOLLOWING HIS SPECTACULAR GOAL IN ENGLAND'S DRAMATIC WIN AGAINST SLOVAKIA
- Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to avoid a suspension for his X-rated gesture
Jude Bellingham is reportedly likely to escape a ban for his X-rated gesture following his spectacular goal against Slovakia, leaving him available for England's quarter-final with Switzerland on Saturday.
Bellingham, 21, was seen making a seemingly-crude gesture in the direction of the Slovakian bench after netting an overhead kick in the 95th minute to keep England's Euro 2024 hopes alive.
Harry Kane went on to score the winning goal in extra time to book England's place in the last-eight, but UEFA subsequently launched an investigation into Bellingham's conduct.
Bellingham receiving a ban is a possible sanction, but he is set to avoid a suspension and could instead be handed a five-figure fine, according to Bild.
Following Sunday's match, Bellingham took to X to deny that he had intended to offend anyone with his gesture.
He wrote: 'An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.'
This statement could aid his cause to avoid a ban as while the gesture may be considered unsportsmanlike, it may be difficult to prove that it was specifically directed at anyone, while Slovakia have also opted not to press charges.
Bellingham was seen performing a similar gesture after scoring a last-minute winner for Real Madrid against Barcelona last season. On that occasion, he did not face an investigation.
More to follow...
Read more 2024-07-04T08:32:03Z dg43tfdfdgfd