Gary Lineker has slammed UEFA over its decision to investigate Jude Bellingham’s X-rated gesture during England’s victory over Slovakia at Euro 2024.
The Real Madrid midfielder appeared to make a lewd gesture moments after scoring England’s injury-time equaliser against Slovakia which rescued England from an early exit from the tournament.
It was initially believed that Bellingham had aimed the gesture towards Slovakia’s bench, however, the 21-year-old later clarified that it was an ‘inside joke’ with his friends who were inside the stadium.
UEFA has now confirmed that it has opened an investigation into Bellingham’s gesture and could take disciplinary action against the midfielder.
A statement from UEFA read: ‘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.’
🥱❌- An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.🤝🏽 https://t.co/H8sETMkPoi
— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) June 30, 2024
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 maybe a message to a few people but a very happy moment and full of adrenaline.’
It’s understood that Bellingham is unlikely to face a ban for his gesture but could be fined by UEFA.
England will play Switzerland in their Euro 2024 quarter final at 5pm on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate is already without centre-back Marc Guehi due to suspension after he received a yellow card against Slovakia.