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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Bellingham facing UEFA investigation</li><li>Made lewd gesture after crucial goal</li><li>Shearer backing England star</li></ul>

Alan Shearer jumps to Jude Bellingham's defence and tells UEFA to get off his back for X-rated gesture against Slovenia

Bellingham's last outing for England has been the subject of both praise and controversy. The young midfielder's <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-same-thing-england-jude-bellingham-cr7-confidence-same-desire-improve-portuguese-goat/bltdf0fd56e7a545dce" target="_blank">spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time kept England's hopes alive </a>at Euro 2024 but the celebrations that followed sparked controversy.Amidst his exuberant celebration, he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/revealed-what-jude-bellingham-plans-tell-uefa-investigation-lewd-gesture-ban-england-star/bltb2a52e471f9da389" target="_blank">was caught on camera making an indecent gesture</a>. Speculation arose that the gesture was directed at the Slovakian bench and coaching staff, raising the possibility of disciplinary action. UEFA swiftly launched an investigation into the incident, which led to discussions about a potential suspension for the 21-year-old star.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite the uproar, Slovakia did not lodge an official complaint. Bellingham took to social media to clarify <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/jude-bellingham-banned-england-switzerland-euro-2024-lewd-inside-joke-goal-celebration-overhead-kick-real-madrid-uefa-sanction/bltd71a44010ced776a" target="_blank">that the gesture was part of an "inside joke,"</a> - aimed at friends and not towards the opposition. His explanation aimed to diffuse the situation and clarify his intentions.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Shearer came to Bellingham's defence, urging UEFA to show leniency while emphasizing the emotional and high-pressure environment in which Bellingham was operating following that goal which saved England's skin. In an interview with <a href="https://streaklinks.com/CB52NRNcnA4fE3QXugHK62d8/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betfair.com%2Fbetting%2Ffootball%2Fuefa-euro-2024%2Fc-12531088" target="_blank">Betfair,</a> Shearer said: "He’s still young, put yourself in his position, you have just rescued your country with 30 seconds to go, you are a young boy, playing at the highest level, I mean come on. You have to have a bit of leeway, imagine the emotions and adrenaline that must have been running through his body at that time."Goodness me, you have just got to understand and appreciate what players are going through at that time, the excitement and everything that goes with it. You can’t hold it against him at all. His words in the press conference afterwards when he said it might shut a few people up, I get the siege mentality that they are wanting to create. But the bottom line is they haven’t been playing well and they did get lucky. It was his piece of magic that got England back into the game."

WHAT SHEARER SAID

German publication Bild reported that Bellingham is likely to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/england-jude-bellingham-boost-ban-talk-real-madrid-star-learn-punishment-uefa-x-rated-gesture-slovakia-euro-2024/blt3f8ad0e3d08a5f26#csca5cfb17611810a7" target="_blank">receive a five-figure fine</a> for his actions but will avoid further punishment for unsportsmanlike conduct. The difficulty in proving the gesture's intended target plays a significant role in this decision, much to the relief of the English squad.

DID YOU KNOW?

As England prepare for their crucial quarter-final match against Switzerland on Saturday, the team and its supporters will be keenly aware of Bellingham's narrow escape from a potential suspension. Bellingham's heroics on the field have kept England's tournament hopes alive and the expected resolution of this incident allows the focus to return to the game itself.

WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

Alan Shearer jumps to Jude Bellingham's defence and tells UEFA to get off his back for X-rated gesture against Slovenia | Goal.com

Jude Bellingham has been defended by Alan Shearer, after his gesture against Slovakia, with the ex-striker telling UEFA to get off his back.