UEFA make decision over Declan Rice ban as investigation launched into Jude Bellingham gesture
UEFA have reached a decision on Declan Rice.
UEFA have made a decision about a potential ban for Declan Rice after an incident that followed England’s victory against Slovakia.
England put in another woeful performance in their Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash with Slovakia on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate’s sides were less than two minutes from elimination, but Jude Bellingham produced a spectacular bicycle kick to level the score in the fifth minute of injury-time.
Harry Kane scored early in extra-time and England went on to win 2-1, but there were some bad-tempered scenes at full-time.
Declan Rice clashed with Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona and had to be held back by teammates Ivan Toney, Ezri Konsa and Aaron Ramsdale.
The Italian coach approached the match officials to complain about England’s time-wasting, before pushing Rice away when the Arsenal star confronted him. Another member of the Slovakia coaching staff also shoved Rice.
Rice reacted furiously with a stream of abuse. Expert lipreader Jeremy Freeman told Mail Sport that Rice shouted at Calzona: “Shut up, p***y, oi, shut up, you bald c***.”
There were fears that Rice could face a suspension following the incident, potentially ruling him out of England’s quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Saturday.
Fortunately, according to Mail Sport, UEFA have no plans to charge Rice.
However, Jude Bellingham might not be so lucky.
Rice was involved in a heated moment after England’s win over Slovakia (Image: Getty)
On Monday UEFA confirmed that they have opened an investigation into the midfielder’s celebration following his late equaliser against Slovakia.
Bellingham made a crotch-grabbing gesture, which he claimed was “an inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.”
If found guilty the 21-year-old could face a suspension, fine or both.
In 2019, UEFA investigated Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Simeone after both made similar gestures during a Champions League last-16 tie between Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
Both were fined but avoided bans, which could indicate how UEFA decide to punish Bellingham.
One man who will miss England’s quarter-final is defender Marc Guehi, who will serve a one-match ban after picking up his second booking of Euro 2024.
