Bellingham Cleared to Play in Euro 2024 Quarter-Final Against Switzerland

Jude Bellingham is set to participate in England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday after receiving a one-match suspended ban and a £25,400 (€30,000) fine for a gesture made during the last-16 victory over Slovakia.

Bellingham’s ban, which is suspended for a year, was imposed following an investigation by UEFA into his crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring a late equaliser in the 2-1 win. Bellingham, who has previously made the gesture while playing for Real Madrid, denied it was directed at England’s opponents, claiming it was an inside joke aimed at close friends attending the game.

Manager Gareth Southgate supported the decision, stating, “When you score a goal of that quality in such a moment at his age, you’re bound to have an incredible rush of adrenaline. There was no intent to offend anyone.”

The Football Association has also been fined £9,310 (€11,000) for crowd disturbances and fireworks-related issues involving England supporters.

In contrast, Turkey’s Merih Demiral received a two-match ban for making a ‘wolf salute’ during his side’s last-16 win against Austria. The gesture, associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, is banned in Austria and France.