Jude Bellingham was the England hero on Sunday evening when his late overhead kick saved the Three Lions from an embarrassing early exit from Euro 2024.
The Real Madrid midfielder has been built up as the poster boy for England after a stellar debut campaign at the Bernabeu but has so far failed to produce anything close to his best form at Euro 2024.
Despite that, he still came up trumps when his country needed him most and England fans are keen to see him kick on from here and lead the nation to eternal glory over the next couple of weeks in Germany.
However, his tournament has been thrown into jeopardy after he was caught on camera making an offensive gesture shortly after finishing his trademark goal celebration.
UEFA investigate Jude Bellingham offensive gesture
Earlier today, Bellingham took to social media to dispel a rumour that suggested the gesture he made after his goal was directed at the Sloavian bench. The former Birmingham man said:
“It was an inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Jude Bellinghams gesture to the Slovakian bench after he scored 👊🇸🇰🏴 pic.twitter.com/qwlUSa7Ocs
— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) June 30, 2024
Bellingham's explanation wasn't enough to prevent UEFA from opening a case against him. In a statement released earlier today, the governing body said:
“A 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.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
England fans share their concerns about possible Bellingham ban
It wouldn't be the first time this season that a big-name player has received a ban for making an offensive gesture in the direction of the crowd.
Earlier in the Saudi Pro-League season, Cristiano Ronaldo was handed a ban for making a similar gesture after fans were heard singing Lionel Messi chants to antagonise the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
England fans are now fearing the worst ahead of the quarter-finals. One posted on X: “If Jude Bellingham gets suspended over such a trivial thing… or even a fine… UEFA will have officially killed football. What a joke of an investigation.”
Another posted: “You're a wet wipe if you're offended by that Bellingham goal celebration. What on earth is the world coming to if they punish him for that?! I've seen more offensive things in a kid's playground.”
A third added: “The tournament will become a joke if they ban Bellingham.”