Jude Bellingham's Euro 2024 ban takes fresh twist as England star at risk of missing Switzerland clash

The Three Lions were just seconds away from crashing out of the tournament before Bellingham scored an equaliser with an overhead kick to send England fans into a frenzy.

The England bench went wild on the sidelines with Bellingham wheeling off to celebrate in front of the crowd.

But Bellingham has now found himself at the centre of controversy following a gesture he made after his goal.

The 21-year-old was seen making a hand gesture next to his crotch with some suggesting it was aimed as an insult towards Slovakia.

Bellingham downplayed the controversy as he said it was an 'inside joke' with some of his close friends.

“An inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game," he wrote.

“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”

But UEFA confirmed they had opened an investigation into Bellingham's gesture with the possibility he could be banned.

A statement from UEFA read: "A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.

"It's now been reported that Bellingham may not find out the result of the investigation until Friday with England facing Switzerland the following day.

According to The Sun, UEFA officials contacted Bellingham on Tuesday and gave him a 'three-day period to provide a response'.

Bellingham has previously gone unpunished by the Spanish FA for making a similar gesture in his debut campaign for Real Madrid.

Albania star Mirlind Daku was issued a two-game UEFA ban after picking up a megaphone at the end of his country's 2-2 draw with Croatia during the group stage.

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Daku was hit with four charges, including bringing the game into disrepute and he later apologised online.

“The effect of the game did such things to me," he said.

“Like any footballer, the emotions in these moments are on another level, which can only be understood on the pitch.

“It is difficult to describe the feeling of playing for this national team, for these wonderful fans who give us unconditional love."