Jude Bellingham could still face ban for gesture during Slovakia game as UEFA confirms investigation into England star

After it was claimed that Bellingham had made a gesture towards Slovakia's bench, the player publicly clarified it was an "inside joke" directed at his friends attending the game. That was initially thought to be sufficient to avoid possible disciplinary action, but UEFA have now assigned an inspector to review the incident for allegedly violating the rules of "decent conduct". The FA also faces two charges over fan behaviour and fireworks.

Bellingham's stoppage time overhead kick saved England from an embarrassing defeat against an opponent ranked 40 places below them in the world and early elimination. The improvised strike forced extra-time, with Harry Kane getting the winner in the first moments of the additional period.

A UEFA statement read: "Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA European Championship Round of 16 match between England and Slovakia (2-1) played on 30 June 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

"Match: UEFA EURO 2024 Round of 16 match between England and Slovakia. Charges against English Football Association: Crowd disturbances, Art. 16(2)(h) DR; Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c) DR. The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.

"Furthermore, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match."

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Bellingham could be sanctioned by UEFA, which may result in a potential one-match ban to rule him out of England's quarter-final against Switzerland.