Source: Bellingham ban unlikely amid UEFA probe

Jude Bellingham is being investigated by UEFA for allegedly “breaching the basic rules of decent conduct” by motioning to grab his crotch in front of the Slovakia bench during England‘s Euro 2024 round-of-16 win in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on Sunday.

However, a source has told ESPN the gesture, which came after his stoppage-time equaliser, is unlikely to result in a ban from UEFA, with a fine the most likely outcome should he be found guilty.

Bellingham, 21, said on social media that the action was an “inside joke to friends,” but UEFA has instructed its disciplinary body to investigate the gesture.

Previous instances of a similar gesture from Cristiano Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone in the Champions League in 2019 were met with €20k fines but no bans.

England are due to play Switzerland in the quarterfinal in Düsseldorf on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Monday, UEFA said: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.

“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”

The English FA have also been charged by UEFA with supporter-related issues following the Slovakia game.

UEFA are investigating a “lack of order or discipline by supporters” and the “lighting of fireworks.”