UEFA to investigate Bellingham as England hero labels Slovakia gesture an 'inside joke'

By Sports Desk July 01, 2024

UEFA is investigating Jude Bellingham's conduct after England's dramatic extra-time victory over Slovakia at Euro 2024, though the midfielder says he meant no disrespect with a gesture he made at full-time.

Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick five minutes into stoppage time as England came back from behind to beat Slovakia in the last 16, with Harry Kane heading in an extra-time winner.

The Real Madrid midfielder was seen kissing his hand and grabbing his crotch after the full-time whistle in a gesture some interpreted as an insult towards Slovakia's fans and bench.

Bellingham used social media to rubbish those suggestions on Sunday, responding to a video of the gesture on X by writing: "An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. 

"Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."

Despite Bellingham attempting to explain the incident, UEFA has confirmed it will investigate his behaviour.

In a statement issued on Monday, European football's 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."

England will hope Bellingham avoids any punishment as they prepare to face Switzerland for a place in the semi-finals on Saturday.

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    He was expected to leave the Ligue 1 champions after his older brother sealed his long-awaited move to the Santiago Bernabeu, but he will stay in France with Lille.

    The midfielder has signed a three-year contract with his new club, his first professional deal after he had played on a youth contract with PSG.

    Speaking to the club's website, he said: "I am very happy to join LOSC. I look forward to starting this adventure and meeting my new team-mates, the staff, as well as the supporters. 

    "For me, at my age, staying in France was the best option to progress. I think LOSC was the best project. It is one of the best in France. It's a real pride to be able to play here."

  • Ronaldo's tears after penalty miss normal, says Portugal team-mate Silva Ronaldo's tears after penalty miss normal, says Portugal team-mate Silva

    Cristiano Ronaldo's tears upon missing a penalty in Portugal's Euro 2024 last-16 tie versus Slovenia are not worthy of discussion, says his team-mate Bernardo Silva.

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  • The Numbers Game: Martinez faces Ronaldo decision against France The Numbers Game: Martinez faces Ronaldo decision against France

    Portugal and France confirmed their places in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, but both the pre-tournament favourites were far from convincing in doing so. 

    Roberto Martinez had Diogo Costa to thank for his penalty heroics against Slovenia as the Porto goalkeeper spared Cristiano Ronaldo's blushes in Frankfurt. 

    Ronaldo saw his spot-kick saved by Jan Oblak in extra time, reducing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to tears at the interval before stepping up to score in the shootout. 

    Earlier that day, France were aided by the knee of Jan Vertonghen as they squeezed past Belgium in Dusseldorf, with their struggles in front of goal continuing.

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    What's expected?

    France are predicted to emerge victorious in Hamburg, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a 40.1% chance of winning at the Volksparkstadion. 

    Portugal triumphed in 30.2% of the data-led simulations, with a draw forecast at 29.8%, meaning extra time and penalties are a real possibility.

    This will be the fifth meeting between Portugal and France at the European Championships, with the Selecao unbeaten in the last two.

    France won the first two meetings, going on to lift the trophy both times (3-2 in 1984, 2-1 in 2000), and Les Bleus know a win could send them on their way to silverware once again. 

    But while both sides boast an array of attacking talent, they have misfired in Germany, and every little advantage will likely be crucial in a tight contest. 

    Portugal have now failed to score in their last two matches. They have never failed to score in three consecutive games at a single major tournament before.

    Les Bleus have had a similar problem. Their three goals at Euro 2024 so far have come from two own goals and a penalty from Kylian Mbappe.

    Not since a run of five internationals between March and September 2013 have France seen their players fail to score from open play in as many matches.

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    Didier Deschamps' team have an impressive record over Friday's opponents, having lost only one of their last 14 games against Portugal (W11 D2), although that lone defeat came in the final of Euro 2016.

    But Martinez's side will fancy their chances of claiming a second European Championship crown should they triumph here.

    The previous four teams to eliminate Les Bleus at the quarter-final stage of a major tournament have gone on to win the trophy (Italy in the 1938 World Cup, Greece at Euro 2004, Spain at Euro 2012 and Germany at the 2014 World Cup).

    Stick or twist with Ronaldo?

    It's a question that has emerged not for the first time at Euro 2024, but Martinez will face his toughest decision yet on Portugal's talisman ahead of the fixture against France. 

    Ronaldo endured an evening to forget against Slovenia, but assumed responsibility for the Selecao's first spot-kick in the penalty shootout, and was sure not to make the same mistake twice. 

    During that game in Frankfurt, Ronaldo had the most shots (eight), shots on target (four), and touches in the opposition box (seven), of any player. A clinical edge is lacking.

    Indeed, Portugal's captain has mustered 20 shots at Euro 2024, the most of any player, but is yet to find the back of the net. 

    Ronaldo has also attempted 34 direct free-kick shots for Portugal at the Euros, over twice as many as any other player on record (since 1980 – Zinedine Zidane 15), yet he is still to score one.

    While it may be difficult to drop a player who is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, Martinez could see this as an opportunity to freshen up his forward line. 

    Having recorded an xG total of 1.97 against Slovenia, failing to take those opportunities against a superior opposition will surely have devastating consequences.

    Slim pickings for Deschamps

    Deschamps tried to reignite Les Bleus' attacking spark with a three-man strike force against Belgium, but the pickings were slim. 

    A trio of Mbappe, Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann were preferred, with Randal Kolo Muani introduced late on, but it proved to be another blunt display. 

    France had 19 shots against the Belgians, but just two were on target, and ultimately it was a touch of fortune that saw them through. 

    Between Mbappe (five), Thuram (four) and Griezmann (two), they managed just one shot on target, despite having 18 touches between them in Belgium's box. 

    Defence, ironically, given the attacking talent at their disposal, has been France’s strong point. However, their array of attacking options will have to step up sooner rather than later. 

    France have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games, the most of any side at the tournament, yet they are not being helped by the players in front of them. 

    Deschamps, however, has the opportunity to freshen up his forward line. The France coach faces a decision similar to Martinez, as to which of his players he can trust on the biggest of stages.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH

    Portugal - Joao Paulinha

    With Portugal's misfiring front line at the centre of attention against Slovenia, it overshadowed the impressive display of Joao Paulinha at the heart of midfield. 

    Paulinha, who is reportedly set to join Bayern Munich, made nine tackles in this game. The last player to make more in a European Championship match was Anatoliy Tymoshchuk for Ukraine v France in 2012 (12).

    The 28-year-old's ability to break up play proved extremely effective against Slovenia, winning the most duels (17), most aerial duels (10), and winning possession more than any other Portugal player on the pitch (10). 

    France - William Saliba 

    William Saliba has carried his impressive form with Arsenal into his second major international tournament, and his defensive presence will be important given France's struggles in attack. 

    The defender has completed 96.6% of his passes so far at Euro 2024 (256/265), the best passing accuracy recorded (min. 100 passes) by a France player at a major tournament (since 1966 for the World Cup, and 1980 for the Euros).

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