MADRID(BN24) — Jude Bellingham could face disciplinary action after appearing to repeat the same X-rated gesture that previously earned him a UEFA fine and suspended ban, following Real Madrid’s heated 2-1 victory over Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico.
The 22-year-old England international, who played a decisive role in the win, assisted Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal before restoring Madrid’s lead after Fermin López equalized for the visitors. But Bellingham’s post-match celebrations may once again attract controversy.
As Real Madrid’s players gathered on the pitch after the final whistle, Bellingham was seen gesturing toward his crotch and sticking out his tongue a repeat of the motion that landed him in trouble during Euro 2024.
Last year, the midfielder was fined £25,400 and handed a suspended one-match ban by UEFA for making the same gesture during England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia in the tournament’s round of 16. At the time, Bellingham defended his action as “an inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game,” insisting it was not directed at opposing players or fans.
The previous punishment expired this summer, meaning UEFA no longer holds jurisdiction over domestic competitions. However, it remains unclear whether the Spanish Football Federation or LaLiga will take independent disciplinary action against the Real Madrid star.
The incident followed an intense conclusion to El Clásico, which erupted into chaos in stoppage time. Barcelona’s Pedri was sent off after a reckless challenge on Aurelien Tchouameni, triggering a heated touchline confrontation between players and coaching staff from both sides.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was seen restraining his players, while defender Dani Carvajal confronted Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal over remarks the 18-year-old had made ahead of the match, in which he accused Madrid of being a team that “robs, complains, and does things.”
Tensions flared further when Yamal and Carvajal exchanged words before being separated by Eduardo Camavinga. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and winger Vinícius Júnior were also involved as players from both teams jostled after the final whistle.
Security personnel eventually escorted Yamal off the pitch as Real celebrated a victory that extended their lead to five points at the top of LaLiga.
After the match, Bellingham appeared to reference Yamal’s pregame comments on social media, posting a photo of himself with the caption: “Talk is cheap. HALA MADRID ALWAYS!!!”
The Spanish league and federation have yet to issue statements on whether disciplinary proceedings will be opened. The gesture, known as “corte de mangas” in Spain, is considered offensive but has not always been punished. In 2019, former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale avoided a sanction for a similar act aimed at Atlético Madrid fans.
If found guilty of misconduct, Bellingham could face a fine or short suspension under LaLiga’s code of conduct, depending on whether the gesture is deemed offensive or unsportsmanlike.
