Jude Bellingham, the England midfielder, will be available for his team’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland after UEFA decided to impose a suspended one-game ban on the Real Madrid star.
Bellingham came under scrutiny for allegedly making a gesture towards the Slovakia bench during their intense round-of-16 encounter. The 21-year-old clarified that the gesture was not intended to disrespect his opponents but was part of an ‘inside joke’ with friends in the stands.
UEFA’s verdict includes a €30,000 (£25,400) fine for Bellingham and a suspended one-game ban, which will only be enforced if he breaches similar rules within the next year.
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This decision allows Bellingham to participate in England’s crucial quarter-final match on Saturday, providing a significant boost to manager Gareth Southgate’s ambitions of advancing in the tournament.
Additionally, the English FA has been fined €11,000 (£9,300) for incidents of crowd disturbances and the unauthorized use of fireworks during the game.
According to reports, the FA defended Bellingham by referencing footage of the Real Madrid midfielder making a similar gesture during El Clasico earlier this year while celebrating a goal against Barcelona.
Bellingham reportedly clarified to UEFA that the gesture was not aimed at his opponents but was rather a joke with friends. UEFA opted not to impose severe sanctions on the 21-year-old.
With Bellingham cleared to play against Switzerland, it is anticipated that he will join Phil Foden as one of two attacking midfielders supporting Harry Kane in a revamped 3-4-2-1 formation.