Bellingham is under investigation for what the European Football Association (EFA) described as a “potential violation” of “the basic rules of decent conduct”.
After winning an overhead kick in stoppage time, Bellingham was spotted grabbing the Slovakian bench with his groin.
The Real Madrid midfielder said on social media that it was an inside joke meant for a few close pals rather than criticizing England’s opponents.
Should it be determined that the 21-year-old broke the regulations, he might be subject to a fine, a suspension, or both.
Article 11 2b of the relevant regulations stipulates that all individuals subject to Uefa regulations must adhere to the “principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity, and sportsmanship.”
Anyone who engages in behavior that “violates the basic rules of decent conduct or is insulting” may be
Bellingham posted the following in response to the incident on social media: “An inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.”
“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
When Cristiano Ronaldo made a similar gesture in 2019 during the Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid Champions League second-leg match, he was fined but spared a punishment.
Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, was also punished for the gesture he made during the first leg.
Gareth Southgate and Jude Bellingham will now have to wait anxiously as Uefa’s investigator determines whether to charge the player. I’ve been informed that the investigation might take a few days to finish.
What kind of penalty, then, might he face in the event that he is prosecuted and found guilty?
Historically speaking, Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for a Saudi Pro League game in February after making an offensive gesture toward the crowd.
But Uefa only fined the Portuguese superstar and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone for making grotesque gestures in two different occasions in 2019.
In Bellingham’s situation, a fine is thought to be more likely than a punishment, although a lot will depend on his explanation and how the Slovakia team perceived the