UEFA Probes Jude Bellingham's Post-Goal Gesture in Euro 2024 Last-16 Clash Against Slovakia

European football's governing body, UEFA, announced it is investigating a "potential violation" of "the basic rules of decent conduct" by England midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring an overhead kick in stoppage time during the Euro 2024 last-16 tie on Sunday.

The Real Madrid player, however, denied that the gesture was aimed at England's opponents. He explained on social media that it was an inside joke directed towards some close friends.


If found in violation of the rules, the 21-year-old could face a suspension, a fine, or both. The rule in question is Article 11 2b, which requires anyone subject to UEFA regulations to respect the "principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity, and sportsmanship." Conduct that is "insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct" could be deemed a breach.

England won the match 2-1 after extra time, setting up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland on Saturday.

Responding to the incident on social media, Bellingham said, "It was an inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."

In a similar incident, Cristiano Ronaldo was fined but avoided a ban for making a similar gesture while celebrating a goal for Juventus against Atletico Madrid in a Champions League last-16 second-leg tie in 2019. Atletico boss Diego Simeone was also fined for making the gesture during the first leg.