Jude Bellingham explains ‘joking gesture’ caught on camera during England team celebrations

Jude Bellingham has denied claims he disrespected Slovak fans after England qualified for the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

England were on the brink of an embarrassing exit on Sunday (June 30) but Bellingham scored a 96th-minute bicycle kick to take the Three Lions into extra time.

In the first minute of extra time, Harry Kane headed in a goal to give England the lead, and Gareth Southgate’s side eventually won 2-1, earning them a quarter-final spot against Switzerland.

After the final whistle, Bellingham was filmed walking with Kane, kissing his hand and grabbing his crotch while looking out at the crowd. This led some to believe the 21-year-old was disrespecting the Slovakian fans, but the midfielder has now decided to deny that.

“A joking gesture towards close friends who were at the game,” Bellingham tweeted, referencing a clip of the moment in question. “Nothing but respect for the way the Slovak team played tonight.”

He started his tweet with a yawn emoji and an “X” emoji, and ended it with a handshake icon.

Bellingham was seen shouting “Who else?!” as he ran towards England fans after scoring his country’s equaliser on Sunday.

The Real Madrid player, who turned 21 on Saturday, had a brilliant season with his club, winning La Liga and the Champions League. He also scored England’s only goal in the group stage, in the opening match against Serbia (1-0), but his performances at Euro 2024 did not live up to expectations.

Despite everything, his spectacular goal on Sunday will be remembered as “one of the greatest in the history of our country”, according to captain Kane.