The European Football Association (UEFA) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Englishman Jude Bellingham. It is being investigated whether the 21-year-old violated the rules of conduct with an obscene gesture in the European Championship round of 16 match against Slovakia (2:1 after extra time), the continental association announced on Monday.
AP/Thanasis Stavrakis
Bellingham saved the English team in extra time on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen with a dream goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time to make it 1-1. His celebration after the goal caused controversy. The Real Madrid midfielder was accused of grabbing the opponent’s crotch in an attempt to grab him at the bench.
Bellingham defended himself against the criticism and shared a video via X, explaining: “That was an inside message to a few of my friends who were in the stadium. Nothing but respect for Slovakia and how they played today.”
