England’s midfielder Jude Bellingham escaped a ban as UEFA imposed a €30,000 for "breaching the basic rules of decent conduct" during the Round of 16 match against Slovakia in the European Championship (Euro) 2024.
England were on the verge of elimination from the tournament but Bellingham scored an overhead kick goal which took the game into extra time.
After his equaliser, Bellingham made a gesture in the direction of Slovakia’s bench which sparked a debate among fans and UEFA has finally made their decision.
Bellingham was given a suspended one-match ban which is subject to a probationary period of one year.
"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions: UEFA EURO round of 16 match between England and Slovakia played on 3 July 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany,” UEFA said in a statement.
"Charges against English Football Association: Crowd disturbances, Art. 16(2)(h) DR; Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c) DR.
"Charges against English Football Association player Jude Bellingham : Violating the basic rules of decent conduct, Art. 11(2)(b) DR.
"The CEDB has decided to fine the English Football Association €10,000 for crowd disturbances and €1,000 for lighting of fireworks.
"To fine the English Football Association player Jude Bellingham €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision."
There were doubts whether Bellingham would be able to feature in England’s quarter-final against Switzerland but he has been cleared by UEFA and will be in action on Saturday.
Remember, England have been struggling in Euro 2024 as they have not dominated their opponents and were almost knocked out by Slovakia.
It will be interesting to see how Gareth Southgate sets his team for the match against Switzerland as the Three Lions are looking to win the championship after finishing as runner-ups in the last edition.
