Jude Bellingham Fined, Avoids Euro 2024 Suspension After Obscene Gesture vs. Slovakia

Jude Bellingham's gesture toward the Slovakia bench in England's 2-1 victory in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 has resulted in a fine, but he was able to avoid a tournament suspension.

The UEFA control ethics and disciplinary body issued Bellingham a fine of roughly $32,500 and a suspended one-match ban for his actions late in the second half of the June 30 match.

Bellingham's ban is suspended for one year, which allows him to play in England's Euro quarterfinal match against Switzerland on Friday.

The incident occurred in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Bellingham's goal on a bicycle kick tied the score at one apiece.

Per Luke Bosher of The Athletic, Bellingham appeared to make a lewd gesture in the direction of Slovakia's bench.

UEFA announced on Monday a disciplinary inspector was looking into a "potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct."

In a post on X, Bellingham wrote the gesture was directed "towards some close friends who were at the game" and he has "nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."

Bosher noted the International Football Association Board's laws of the game state any "obscene gesture" or "offensive or insulting action" should be punishable by red card. There was no card issued during the match for Bellingham's gesture.

Bellingham's goal forced the match into extra time. England prevailed thanks to Harry Kane's goal in the first minute of extra time to reach the quarterfinal.

Manager Gareth Southgate will already be without Marc Guehi in the quarterfinal after he received his second yellow card of the tournament early in the first half against Slovakia.

The victory kept the Three Lions alive in the tournament as they seek their first Euro title after losing to Italy in the final three years ago.

England will take on Switzerland at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Germany on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.