After England progressed to the last eight, Three Lions fans couldn't be happier. One is that the team is not in good form and was almost eliminated against Slovakia. Second, Bellingham, the core of the team, faces a UEFA ban. Bellingham is being investigated by UEFA's disciplinary committee due to the use of indecent celebrations following the goal.
England beat Slovakia 2-1 and Jude Bellingham scored in the 95th minute. He celebrated wildly with Kane after his goal, and as he passed by the Slovakian bench, the British star made a 'crotch-pulling' move. It was also perceived as an insult to Slovakia and a lack of due respect for Slovakia.
In response, Bellingham himself responded through social media. "It was just an internal joke gesture with some friends who were there," he said. There is only respect for the performance of the Slovak team tonight. Bellingham's explanation did not win UEFA approval, and they issued an email notice that Bellingham's misconduct would be investigated.
UEFA's decision made England legend Lineker very dissatisfied. He hit back violently through his personal social media. He criticised UEFA's investigation into Bellingham's celebrations as "ridiculous", UEFA is the "celebration police" and too harsh on players.
BBC host Tom Swabrick said England fans should "take to the streets" if UEFA bans Bellingham from the quarter-finals. England fans have expressed similar frustration, with some calling the investigation "ridiculous" and others accusing UEFA of "blatant corruption" if they ban Bellingham.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been fined £17,000 for making a similar gesture in his team's Champions League last-16 match against Juventus in 2019. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the second leg to help his team come back from Atletico Madrid. Subsequently, he was fined €20,000 for imitating Simeone's celebratory moves. Based on recent football cases, Bellingham is highly unlikely. If UEFA really bans Bellingham, I believe that English fans will not agree.
If Bellingham is banned from the quarter-finals, then England will suffer a major blow. England have scored just four goals in four games at this summer's European Championships, with Bellingham scoring twice. He is recognised as the heart of the national team and England cannot live without him!