UEFA is investigating Jude Bellingham for allegedly “breaching basic rules of decent behaviour” by making a crotch-grabbing gesture in front of the Slovakia bench during England's Euro 2024 round of 16 victory in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on Sunday.
However, a source told ESPN that the gesture, which came after the equaliser in stoppage time, is unlikely to result in a UEFA ban, with a fine the most likely outcome if he is found guilty.
Bellingham, 21, said on social media the action was an “inside joke between friends” but UEFA has ordered its disciplinary body to investigate the gesture.
In previous cases of similar gestures by Cristiano Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone in the 2019 Champions League, fines of €20,000 were imposed, but no bans.
England will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals in Düsseldorf on Saturday.
In a statement released on Monday, UEFA said: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation into a possible breach of the basic rules of decent conduct by English Football Association player Jude Bellingham, which allegedly occurred in connection with this match.
“Information on this matter will be provided in due course.”
UEFA has also accused the English FA of fan disturbances following the match against Slovakia.
UEFA is investigating the “lack of order and discipline on the part of fans” and the “setting off of fireworks”.
