Jude Bellingham has been fined €30,000 and handed a suspended one-match ban by UEFA for a controversial gesture following his equalizing goal against Slovakia. The ban is suspended for one year, allowing Bellingham to play in England’s upcoming quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.
After scoring the dramatic goal, Bellingham was seen kissing his right hand before making a crotch-grabbing gesture. The midfielder clarified that the action was an inside joke directed at friends in the stands and not intended for the Slovakia bench. However, UEFA’s control, ethics, and disciplinary body found him guilty of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”
In addition to Bellingham’s penalty, the Football Association was fined €10,000 for crowd disturbances and €1,000 for fireworks set off by England fans during the same match. Despite these incidents, all 26 England players participated in training on Friday, with Gareth Southgate considering tactical adjustments, including a potential switch to a back three.
Decisions also loom regarding whether to start Luke Shaw, who has been sidelined since February with a hamstring injury, or to opt for Bukayo Saka at left wing-back. Kieran Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold are expected to fill the right wing-back position.
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