Four more England stars at risk of Euro 2024 ban amid Jude Bellingham investigation
England face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday and Jude Bellingham remains the subject of a UEFA investigation over his lewd celebration against Slovakia
Jude Bellingham and four of his team-mates are at risk of missing England’s potential semi-final at Euro 2024.
UEFA are currently investigating Bellingham’s lewd celebration after he scored a 95th-minute equaliser in the round-of-16 against Slovakia. Even if the England midfielder escapes without a ban, he’ll still need to careful when the Three Lions face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
That’s because Bellingham, 21, received a yellow card in the Slovakia match and a second booking on Saturday would lead to a one-game suspension. The Real Madrid star isn’t alone in needing to tow the line either, as four more England players are also on one yellow card.
Right-back Kieran Trippier and forward Phil Foden were both booked against Slovenia while midfielder Conor Gallagher was cautioned in the 1-1 draw with Denmark. On Sunday, both Bellingham and midfield pal Kobbie Mainoo saw yellow in the first half.
Marc Guehi has already fallen foul of UEFA’s rules after being booked in the third minute of Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 victory, courtesy of Bellingham’s goal and Harry Kane’s extra-time header. Guehi had been shown a yellow card against Slovenia in England’s final group game, so he’ll need to be replaced at centre-back for the clash with Switzerland.
Should Bellingham and co come through unscathed, their previous yellow cards will be wiped. UEFA reset booking tallies after the quarter-final stage, meaning that the only way a player can miss the final is if they’re shown a red card in the semis.
Kobbie Mainoo, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden could all miss England’s semi-final (
Image:
Stefan Matzke – sampics/Getty Images)
Bellingham, meanwhile, has been asked to write to UEFA and explain his crude gesture against Slovakia, something which he claims was an inside joke with close friends who were in the stadium. After scoring a stunning overhead kick, the 21-year-old put his hand over his crotch while walking past the Slovakian dugout.
UEFA said: “[We] 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.”
Punishments for a breach of decent conduct include a warning, a reprimand, a fine of up to €100,000 (£84,000) and a suspension for a specified number of matches. Bellingham has started all four of England’s games so far and manager Gareth Southgate will be desperate for him to keep out of trouble.
