Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham could face disciplinary action after being caught on camera making an offensive gesture following his team’s 2–1 victory over Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Hero on the Pitch, Controversy Off It
Bellingham was once again the match-winner for Real Madrid, scoring the decisive goal and assisting Kylian Mbappé’s opener in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the La Liga season. His performance helped Madrid extend their lead at the top of the table to five points over their Catalan rivals.
However, celebrations quickly turned controversial when cameras captured the England international making a lewd gesture toward the crowd, appearing to grab his groin while sticking out his tongue. The incident rapidly went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and debate.
Echoes of EURO 2024 Incident
This is not the first time Bellingham has been at the center of such controversy. During Euro 2024, he performed a similar gesture after scoring for England against Slovakia, which led UEFA to impose a £25,000 fine and a one-match suspension.
Given the precedent, Spanish football authorities could now launch an investigation into the latest incident, as it occurred during one of the most high-profile matches in world football and was broadcast globally.
Potential Disciplinary Action Looms
Despite his brilliance on the field, Bellingham’s conduct has once again placed him under scrutiny. If the La Liga disciplinary committee deems the gesture inappropriate, the 21-year-old could face a suspension or fine, potentially sidelining him for key upcoming fixtures.
Real Madrid have not yet issued an official statement, but fans have expressed concern online about the possibility of losing their star midfielder at such a critical point in the season.