UEFA will now be investigating a gesture allegedly made by Jude Bellingham after scoring the dramatic equaliser against Slovakia on Sunday night.
A spokesman said: “The Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will be opening a disciplinary investigation into possible breaches of the principles of good behaviour by England FA player Jude Bellingham that are alleged to have occurred in relation to this match.” If Bellingham is found to have breached Article 57 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he could be subject to a suspension and a heavy fine.
Article 57 reads: “Anyone who insults anyone in any way, in particular through offensive gestures or expressions, or who breaches the principles of fair remuneration or behaves in any other way in an unsportsmanlike manner, may be subject to sanctions in accordance with Articles 10 et seq.” seq. “
UEFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against the Three Lions for setting off fireworks in the crowd and causing mayhem.
“Following review of the referee’s report from the ENG v SVK match, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the English Football Association over the setting off of fireworks and crowd disorder.” The CEDB will make a decision on this matter in due course. No further proceedings have been taken in relation to this game.”
Bellingham denied any wrongdoing on the game on social media platforms. “I have nothing but respect for the performance of the Slovak team tonight.”
In 2019, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone came under fire and was forced to apologise after similar behaviour against Juventus in the Champions League first round knockout stage UEFA
Meanwhile, Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona had no issue with Declan Rice avoiding a penalty following a tense exchange after the final whistle.
The pair had to be separated as Calzona approached Turkish referee Umut Merah, something that seemed to upset midfielder Rice, who had been stopped by his team-mates.
Calzona later explained: “I had to speak to the officials but he just kept talking. Then he apologised and that was it.”
Lip-reading pundits have since claimed that Mr Rice uttered several profanities and made fun of Mr Calzona’s bald head.
Hero Bellingham said this after saving the day with a stunning and decisive overhead kick: “I’m going to be going home in 30 seconds and I’m going to have to listen to this crap and feel like I’ve let people down.”
“Playing for England should be the proudest moment of your career but it’s often very difficult. The pressure is really huge. The fans expect a lot from us, regardless of what happened in the last tournament all those years ago.”