England duo Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have been handed a lifeline after their actions following the 2-1 win over Slovakia.
Bellingham was captured making a lewd gesture in the direction of Slovakia’s bench after he forced extra time in Gelsenkirchen with a spectacular overhead kick. Any "obscene gesture" or "offensive or insulting action" should result in a red card, under the game's rules crafted by UEFA and FIFA.
The Real Madrid star later stated on social media that it was an “inside joke gesture” towards his friends who were at the game and that he meant no harm or hatred. “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,” wrote the England midfielder.
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UEFA are expected to review the on-field incident which has since gathered traction on social media in the past 24 hours. According to a report from The Athletic, the expectation is that Bellingham is unlikely to be punished for the gesture that followed his 95th-minute equaliser.
Declan Rice is also expected to be allowed on his merry after he was seen caught up in an altercation with the Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona. Rice seemingly issued some choice words the way of the 55-year-old after the final whistle had sounded following England's victory.
Rice was pushed in the chest by Calzona after the Slovakia boss approached Umat Meler, the referee, at full-time. Ivan Toney and Aaron Ramsdale quickly helped diffuse the situation and the Arsenal midfielder was not cautioned for his actions in the scuffle.
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