Jude Bellingham receives suspended ban and fine for celebrating in Slovakia

Jude Bellingham has been cleared to play for England against Switzerland despite being charged by UEFA for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. The England midfielder was facing a potential ban after making a gesture during his celebration of a goal against Slovakia in the last-16 tie. In response to accusations that he disrespected the Slovakian team, Bellingham explained that the gesture was an inside joke directed towards friends in the crowd, not the opposition.

After an investigation by UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspector, Bellingham was fined €30,000 but will not face an immediate suspension. Instead, he has been suspended for one UEFA competition match, which will not be enforced right away and will be subject to a probationary period of one year. This means he will be available to play in the crucial quarter-final match against Switzerland.

The incident involving Bellingham was part of a larger investigation by UEFA, which also resulted in a €10,000 fine for the England Football Association due to crowd disturbances during the Slovakia match. Additionally, there was a €1,000 fine for the lighting of fireworks during the game. Despite these penalties, England will have Bellingham on the field for their next match.