Jude Bellingham is unlikely to face any disciplinary action before Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland, despite UEFA opening an investigation into his celebratory gesture following his equalizer against Slovakia.
The investigation by UEFA centers on what they describe as a “potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct,” after Bellingham appeared to make a crude gesture towards his crotch while seemingly directing it at the Slovakia bench during Sunday’s match.
Bellingham, however, has clarified that the gesture was an “inside joke” meant for a group of friends in the stands rather than a taunt towards the opposition.
Should Bellingham be found guilty, the most probable consequence would be a fine. Nonetheless, UEFA does have the authority to issue suspensions for such infractions, leading to concerns that he might miss the upcoming crucial game against Switzerland in Dusseldorf.
Sources close to the investigation suggest that UEFA is unlikely to expedite their decision-making process in time for the match. The appointed “ethics and disciplinary inspector” is expected to take a measured approach, as these investigations usually require a thorough review.
To illustrate the typical duration of such inquiries, one can look at the case involving alleged monkey chanting by Serbian fans during England’s match against Serbia on June 16. Findings from that investigation are still pending.
Complicating matters further in Bellingham’s case is the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes an “obscene gesture” and the challenge in definitively proving that the Real Madrid star directed the gesture at the Slovakia bench.
