In response to Jude Bellingham’s X-rated gesture following England’s 2024 Euro triumph against Slovakia, Gary Lineker has blasted UEFA.
Shortly after scoring England’s injury-time equalizer against Slovakia to save England from losing the tournament early, the Real Madrid midfielder looked to make an obscene gesture.
Although Bellingham, 21, subsequently emphasized that the gesture was a “inside joke” with his pals who were inside the stadium, it was first thought that he had directed it towards Slovakia’s bench.
Bellingham’s gesture has now been investigated by UEFA, who has also stated that it may discipline the midfield player.
In a statement, UEFA stated: “A disciplinary investigation will be carried out by a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector concerning a possible breach of the fundamental rules of decent behavior by English Football Association player Jude Bellingham, which is purported to have happened during this match.”
‘Information on this matter will be made available in due course.’
But Lineker has taken aim over UEFA over its decision to potentially sanction Bellingham.
‘For crying out loud, the Euro 2024 celebration police are looking into Jude Bellingham. Ridiculous!’ the BBC host wrote on X.
Speaking about his celebration against Slovakia in which he said, ‘who else’ to the crowd, Bellingham said:‘I think the adrenaline gets you.
‘But it’s a combination of a lot of things, playing for England is an enjoyable feeling but it’s also a lot of pressure, you hear people talk a lot of rubbish.
ENGLAND’S ROUTE TO EURO 2024 FINAL
QUARTER FINAL – July 6 at 5pm
England vs Switzerland
SEMI FINAL – July 10 at 8pm
England vs Romania, Netherlands, Austria or Turkey
FINAL – July 14 at 8pm
England vs Germany, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia or France
‘It’s nice that when you deliver you can give them a little bit back.
‘It’s very difficult in press conferences and in interviews and things like that to talk as openly as footballers want to because they’re always judged.
‘For me, football and being on the pitch, scoring goals, celebrating is my release.
“It was a very happy moment, full of adrenaline, and maybe a message to a few people.”
It is believed that Bellingham may not receive a ban for his gesture, but UEFA may punish him.
On Saturday at 5 p.m., England will take on Switzerland in their quarterfinal match of Euro 2024.
Marc Guehi, the center defender, was given a yellow card against Slovakia and is now suspended, meaning Gareth Southgate is already without him.