Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina defender Valentin Barco after England's World Cup semi-final defeat, igniting a flashpoint as the Three Lions squandered a one-goal lead to the defending champions. The incident occurred as Argentinian players celebrated their 2-1 victory in Atlanta, with the Real Madrid star appearing to strike the Strasbourg defender.
Altercation sparks ugly scenes
As the Argentinians celebrated in the middle of the pitch, Bellingham struck Barco, leading to another flashpoint in an ill-tempered clash. Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers had to be separated from the melee as tensions boiled over. The ugly full-time scenes marred what had been a dramatic semi-final.
England's collapse
Thomas Tuchel's side had taken the lead after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock, but England regressed, inviting pressure from Argentina. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored to complete the comeback and book Argentina's place in Sunday's final against Spain. England's World Cup heartbreak was compounded by the post-match altercation.
More updates will follow on this breaking story.
