UEFA imposes ban on Bellingham for indecent celebration

Jul 05 (THEWILL) – England midfielder Jude Bellingham has been handed a one-match ban and a €30,000 fine by UEFA for his controversial celebrations during England’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia. The decision, announced on Friday, means Bellingham will be available for England’s quarter-final clash with Switzerland July 6.

UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary committee said Bellingham’s suspension was “not immediately enforceable and is subject to a one-year probation period”. The Real Madrid star was booked for “breaching basic principles of good behaviour” after he mimed grabbing the crotch while appearing to look towards the Slovakia bench following the crucial injury-time equaliser.

The 20-year-old’s availability is a significant boost for England manager Gareth Southgate. Bellingham has been a key player for the Three Lions, scoring twice in four games at the tournament. Despite reaching the quarter-finals, England have yet to produce a convincing performance in Germany.

England’s clash with Switzerland in Duesseldorf is a great opportunity to end a 58-year drought of major tournament trophies, with the winner of the match set to face either Turkey or the Netherlands in the semi-finals, avoiding tournament favourites Germany, Spain, Portugal and France, who are on opposite sides of the ladder.

Under Southgate, England have come close to glory in recent years, reaching the Euro 2020 final and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. The side will be looking to go one step further in this tournament and possibly lift a trophy for their football-loving nation.