England’s Jude Bellingham is investigated for his conduct during the Slovakia win, Declan Rice escapes punishment

July 1, 2024

Jude Bellingham is under investigation by UEFA after he appeared to make an offensive gesture towards the Slovakian bench following his overhead kick equaliser for England.

Despite previous warnings The athlete Although Bellingham will not face any punishment for his conduct, UEFA released a statement later on Monday saying the 21-year-old was being investigated “for a possible breach of basic rules of good conduct.” Whether this will lead to disciplinary action remains to be seen. This article has been updated to reflect UEFA’s statement.

Bellingham equalised in the last minute to force extra time, and Harry Kane then scored the decisive goal to secure a place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland on Saturday.

Bellingham appeared to make an offensive gesture towards the Slovakian bench after his goal in the 95th minute in Gelsenkirchen.

According to the rules of the game, any “obscene gesture” or “offensive or insulting act” should be punished with a red card.

Bellingham later claimed on social media that it was an “insider gesture” towards his close friends who were at the game. “Nothing but respect for the performance of the Slovakian team tonight,” he added.

🥱❌- An inside joke to some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for the performance of the Slovakian team tonight.🤝🏽 https://t.co/H8sETMkPoi

— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) June 30, 2024

Declan Rice, meanwhile, wants to avoid any subsequent consequences for his argument with Slovakian coach Francesco Calzona after the game.

Rice was pushed in the chest by Calzona after the Slovakian coach addressed referee Umat Meler after the end of the game.

Rice appeared ready to shake Calzona’s hand, but reacted when the opposing coach shoved him and the Arsenal midfielder looked like he was about to push him back. Ivan Toney then led Rice away as another member of the opposing coaching staff confronted him. Aaron Ramsdale, England’s second goalkeeper, also arrived on the scene to defuse the situation.

UEFA’s statement on the Bellingham investigation also confirmed that the English Football Association had been accused of “lack of order or discipline on the part of fans” and of “setting off fireworks” during the victory over Slovakia.