By Alfredo Echenique Lugo
05 Jul 2024, 22:03 PM EDT
On June 30, England eliminated Slovakia in the round of 16 of the European Championship with a score of 2-1 in a dramatic match that went into extra time.
The goal that gave the game a last-minute equaliser came from Jude Bellingham, who forced extra time, only for Harry Kane to finish it off a few minutes later.
Bellingham’s goal came with a peculiar celebration from the Real Madrid player, who made an obscene gesture by placing his hands on his genitals.
🥱❌- An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.🤝🏽 https://t.co/H8sETMkPoi
— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) June 30, 2024
The young footballer had claimed that the gesture was “a joke on some friends”, but UEFA decided that its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee should open an investigation into what happened.
The Slovak Federation did not make any formal complaint, although at the time of the gesture they expressed their displeasure, believing that the gesture was directed at them.
Now that the investigations have been completed, UEFA has decided to impose a heavy fine on Bellingham for the gesture. Although this time he was spared from suspension in the middle of the Euros.
The European football governing body confirmed on Friday the fine that Bellingham will receive. It amounts to around $32,000 dollars for the gesture he made during the match.
“It has been decided to fine English Football Association player Jude Bellingham $32,000,” reads the statement issued by UEFA with the sanction for the Real Madrid midfielder.
Bellingham has also been warned and if he repeats anything similar he will face a one-match ban. UEFA has assured that he will be on probation for a year.
“…and suspend him for one UEFA competition match to which he would otherwise be entitled for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Such suspension will not be enforced immediately and will be subject to a probationary period of one (1) year from the date of this decision,” the statement added.
For now, Bellingham and England are preparing to face Switzerland this Saturday in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
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