UEFA confirm punishment for Jude Bellingham after his alleged disrespectful gesture in England's win over Slovakia at Euro 2024
England midfielder Jude Bellingham has received a one-game suspension from UEFA for his controversial 'balls' gesture after scoring in the 2-1 Euro 2024 Round of 16 extra time win over Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen earlier this week.
The suspension, though, won't be immediate, but will be valid for a year. That means the 21-year-old is available to play for the Three Lions against Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday (July 6) in Dusseldorf.
Bellingham rescued Gareth Southgate's side from imminent elimination in the Round of 16 as the Three Lions trailed by a goal heading into the fifth minute of stoppage time. The Real Madrid midfielder, though, produced an acrobatic overhead bicycle kick to slot home the equaliser, forcing extra time.
Captain Harry Kane scored the go-ahead goal for the Three Lions in the first minute of stoppage time, and Southgate's side held on to their lead to reach back-to-back European Championships quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, a day after the governing body of European football slapped an immediate two-game suspension on Turkey defender Merih Demiral for a controversial gesture after scoring in the Round of 16 win over Austria, Bellingham has also received punishment for his controversial act but not as severe.
As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Englishman has received a fine of €30K and a suspended one-game ban valid for a year but will be available to play against Switzerland at the weekend.
Bellingham's availability against the Swiss comes as a huge relief for a Three Lions side that has looked laboured in attack and bereft of ideas up front as they seek their first Euros title.
How has Jude Bellingham fared for England at UEFA Euro 2024?
Jude Bellingham has undoubtedly been one of England's standout players at Euro 2024 as the Three Lions seek to end a 58-year wait for a major international title since their 1966 FIFA World Cup triumph at home.
The 21-year-old scored the only goal as Southgate's side opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia. After having two relatively quiet outings against Denmark and Slovenia, Bellingham burst to life in the dying moments of the Slovakia game with a brilliant equaliser.
The England midfielder is now just a goal behind Golden Boot leaders Jamal Musiala, Cody Gakpo, Georges Mikautadze and Ivan Schranz, who have scored thrice apiece. Bellingham is one of eight players with exactly two goals at Euro 2024