Jude Bellingham is at risk of a FIFA ban after an unsavoury incident following England's 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The Real Madrid midfielder was caught on camera slapping unused Argentina substitute Valentin Barco around the head after the final whistle in Atlanta.
Bellingham's altercation with Barco
Bellingham, 23, made a beeline for Barco, who was celebrating the victory, and clipped him before a group of Argentina players intervened. Alternative angles of the exchange have been posted on social media, and FIFA are likely to take a dim view, potentially ruling Bellingham out of the Bronze match against France on Saturday evening.
Frustration with Pickford and Messi
Bellingham's outburst was not his only show of frustration. He appeared visibly upset with Jordan Pickford's role in Enzo Fernandez's equaliser, with lip readers deducing he mouthed "It's the middle of the goal" while watching the replay on the jumbo screen. Gary Neville, speaking on Stick to Football's watch party, backed Bellingham, saying: "Not gone in the corner, that, he's got to save that. Got to save it. He's past it."
Bellingham also had a heated exchange of words with Lionel Messi during the first half. Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, gave Bellingham an unimpressed look after the England talisman's interjection, before responding with brilliance in the thrilling crescendo of the semi-final.
Consequences and next steps
Bellingham was left bereft as he trudged off, attempting to comprehend another near-miss for England. The incident with Barco could lead to a FIFA investigation and a potential ban, impacting England's final match of the tournament.
