England star Jude Bellingham will be able to play in his team’s Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Switzerland on Saturday. UEFA investigated the midfielder following an inappropriate gesture aimed at Slovakia‘s bench on June 30. The Real Madrid star netted a late equalizer in the matchup. He then grabbed his crotch while looking at his opponents. England eventually went on to win the match and advance in the tournament.
Cameras spotted Bellingham making the gesture multiple times while playing for Real since joining the club in 2023. The England international, however, quickly denied the move targeted Slovakia. Bellingham took to social media following the previous victory to claim that it was “an inside joke” with friends at the game. He also noted that he had “nothing but respect for how Slovakia played.”
Bellingham receives ban, but it will not affect Euro 2024
While Bellingham can feature against Switzerland, he was hit with a ban and fine. UEFA declared that the midfielder must pay around $32,000. The ban, however, is suspended. This means that he will be forced to miss one international match at some point within the next year.
Along with revealing Bellingham’s punishment, UEFA also announced that Turkey defender Merih Demiral faces a two-game ban for a different gesture. Nevertheless, the center-back’s suspension is with immediate effect. Demiral netted both of Turkey’s goals in their win against Austria on July 2nd.
During the triumph, the defender celebrated by making a ‘wolf salute’ with his fingers. Authorities banned the gesture in Austria and France due to its ties to a far-right extremist group. Demiral will now miss his team’s quarterfinal fixture against the Netherlands on July 6th. Assuming Turkey can pull the upset, the defender would then miss the semifinal match.
Suspension news is relief for England against Switzerland
England manager Gareth Southgate and Three Lions fans will certainly be happy…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/bellingham-to-play-against-switzerland-despite-suspension/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-07-05 16:01:38
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.