England star, Jude Bellingham, has been fined £25,000 and given a suspended one-match ban by UEFA for ‘violating the basic rules of decent conduct’.
In the last-16 match against Slovakia, Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick in the 94th minute, equalizing for England.
Gareth Southgate’s team then triumphed in extra time, securing a quarter-final spot against Switzerland.
However, during his celebration, Bellingham appeared to make a gesture towards the Slovakia bench, which he later explained was a joke directed at close friends.
UEFA swiftly opened an investigation, requesting explanations from both Bellingham and the FA. The conclusion of this investigation has now resulted in Bellingham’s punishment.
UEFA’s statement read, “The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions: UEFA EURO round of 16 match between England and Slovakia played on 3 July 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
“Charges against English Football Association: Crowd disturbances, Art. 16(2)(h) DR; Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c) DR.
“Charges against English Football Association player Jude Bellingham: Violating the basic rules of decent conduct, Art. 11(2)(b) DR.
“The CEDB has decided to fine the English Football Association €10,000 for crowd disturbances and €1,000 for lighting of fireworks.
“To fine the English Football Association player Jude Bellingham €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”
UEFA acted swiftly to ensure Bellingham would be available for England’s quarter-final match against Switzerland on Saturday.
Despite other ongoing cases, including a Serbia fan allegedly racially abusing England fans, Bellingham’s case was expedited to clear him for the upcoming game.
Bellingham’s suspended one-match ban allows him to participate in the rest of the tournament, provided he adheres to conduct rules. He is expected to start in the quarter-final against Switzerland.
Reflecting on his goal, Bellingham admitted to being overwhelmed by its dramatic nature and is determined to help England succeed in this summer’s tournament.
