Jude Bellingham’s groin-grab goal celebration during England’s recent match against Slovakia has caused a stir among fans and pundits alike. However, the England savior could potentially escape with just a fine rather than a ban, thanks to footage from an El Clasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Football Association (FA) will argue that Bellingham’s gesture is not unique to the Slovakia game, as he had previously made a similar gesture after scoring in Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Barcelona in April. This footage may be crucial in proving that Sunday’s celebration was not directed specifically at the Slovakian team.
Bellingham himself has insisted that his celebration was a private joke with his friends and not intended as a dig at the rival bench. Furthermore, the Slovakian team has not demanded any charges against him. As a result, it is expected that Bellingham will face a hefty fine rather than a ban, enabling him to continue playing in the rest of the tournament.
Fans are hopeful that the footage from El Clasico, which refers to any clash between the top-flight Spanish teams, will help clear Bellingham’s name. Many believe that a fine is a more appropriate punishment for his actions, rather than depriving him of playing time during such a crucial stage of the tournament.
Support for Bellingham’s case comes from various quarters. Factory worker Ryan Walker from Birmingham expressed his belief that the young player should not be banned, while former Arsenal hero Paul Merson saw no major issue with the celebration, viewing it as a release of emotion.
It is worth noting that Bellingham wouldn’t be the first football star to face financial penalties over on-pitch gestures. In 2019, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was fined £17,000 for a similar gesture during his side’s victory over Juventus. Cristiano Ronaldo was also instructed to pay 20,000 euros for mimicking it.
As England prepares to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the tournament, Bellingham can focus on his game knowing that he is unlikely to face a ban. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the appropriate level of punishment for such celebrations, with many suggesting that fines are more proportionate than bans.
Overall, while Bellingham’s goal celebration has attracted attention and debate, it appears that he will escape with a fine rather than a ban. The inclusion of footage from the El Clasico match may prove vital in demonstrating that his actions were not specific to the Slovakia game. As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen how the FA will handle similar incidents in the future and whether fines will continue to be the preferred form of punishment.