Jude Bellingham, the 21-year-old midfielder for England’s Euro 2024 squad, has been given a one-match suspended ban and fined £25,400 (30,000 Euros) for a gesture he made during the last-16 win over Slovakia. The ban will be suspended for a year, allowing him to play in the upcoming quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.
Bellingham’s controversial gesture, a crotch-grabbing motion directed towards the Slovakian bench after scoring a late equalizer in the 2-1 victory, was investigated by Uefa. However, Bellingham denied that it was aimed at England’s opponents, stating on social media that it was an “inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.” He also expressed his respect for Slovakia’s performance.
While Bellingham’s availability for the quarter-final is good news for England, Turkey’s defender Merih Demiral hasn’t been as fortunate. He has been handed a two-match ban for a gesture he made during Turkey’s last-16 win against Austria. Demiral, who scored both goals in the 2-1 victory, celebrated his second goal with a ‘wolf salute.’ This gesture is associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, which is closely linked with Turkey’s ruling coalition party, the National Movement Party. The ‘wolf salute’ is banned in Austria and France.
Despite Demiral’s ban, the quarter-final match between Turkey and the Netherlands will proceed as scheduled in Berlin at 20:00. In contrast, England will take on Switzerland in Dusseldorf at 17:00 BST. Both matches will be broadcasted live on BBC One, BBC Radio 5 Live, and the BBC Sport website and app.
The incidents involving Bellingham and Demiral highlight the importance of players being mindful of their actions both on and off the field. While Bellingham’s explanation sheds light on the context of his gesture, it serves as a reminder that actions can be misinterpreted, and players should be cautious about engaging in controversial or potentially offensive behavior.
Furthermore, the disciplinary actions taken by Uefa demonstrate the organization’s commitment to upholding fair play and maintaining a respectful atmosphere in football. By penalizing players for gestures associated with extremist groups, Uefa sends a strong message that such actions have no place in the sport.
As fans eagerly anticipate the quarter-final matches, it is crucial for players to remain focused on the game and avoid distractions that could harm their team’s performance. The bans handed to Bellingham and Demiral serve as a reminder to all players about the importance of representing themselves and their countries in a responsible and respectful manner.
In conclusion, while Bellingham will be available for England’s quarter-final match against Switzerland, Demiral will be absent from Turkey’s clash with the Netherlands due to his ban. These incidents highlight the need for players to be aware of the potential consequences of their actions and to prioritize fair play and respect both on and off the field.