Jude Bellingham faces fresh controversy over gesture during El Clásico
Jude Bellingham has reignited controversy in Spain after repeating the same gesture that previously landed him in trouble with Uefa during Euro 2024, reports BritPanorama.
The England midfielder was caught on camera making a crotch gesture during Real Madrid’s fiery 2–1 win over Barcelona at the Bernabéu on Sunday — the very action that earned him a £25,000 fine and a suspended one-match ban just a year earlier.
The 22-year-old played a starring role in Madrid’s victory, setting up Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal before scoring the decisive winner himself. However, the post-goal celebration once again overshadowed his brilliance.
Cameras captured Bellingham facing the crowd, gesturing towards his crotch and sticking out his tongue — a move almost identical to the one he made after scoring for England against Slovakia at the Euros. That previous incident drew a swift rebuke from Uefa, who deemed the gesture inappropriate conduct.
Bellingham defended himself at the time, insisting it was harmless fun and described it as “an inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.” Despite this explanation, he faced disciplinary action, and the suspended ban has since expired.
Now, Spanish football authorities may consider whether to take action under LaLiga’s code of conduct regarding Bellingham’s latest antics, which come amid a highly charged atmosphere in one of football’s greatest rivalries.
The closing stages of Sunday’s match saw tempers flare as Barcelona midfielder Pedri was shown a red card for a reckless challenge, igniting a heated exchange between players from both sides. After the final whistle, tensions escalated as Real Madrid stars clashed with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who accused Los Blancos of “robbing” teams and “complaining” after games.
Vinícius Júnior and Dani Carvajal joined the fray, taunting the young player, while Bellingham appeared to engage by posting on Instagram: “Talk is cheap. HALA MADRID SIEMPRE!!!” His actions highlighted a dual role as both a match-winner and an unapologetic provocateur.
Bellingham’s assist and goal reaffirmed his importance to Xabi Alonso’s side, contributing significantly to Madrid’s position at the top of LaLiga. Yet, the controversy surrounding his celebration ensured that the headlines were once again about more than just football.
This latest flashpoint comes at a time of uncertainty regarding his international future. Bellingham was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad, despite being fit to play, a decision that surprised many given his outstanding form for Real Madrid.
Despite the controversy, he remains a key asset for England’s World Cup qualifying campaign later this year, with few doubting he will be among the first names on the team sheet for the 2026 tournament. Whether LaLiga’s disciplinary committee chooses to act on Sunday’s incident remains to be seen, but the celebration has already ignited debate among fans and pundits alike. Real Madrid are next set to face Valencia in LaLiga on Saturday at 8 pm.
In the world of elite football, where skill meets scrutiny, Bellingham’s actions remind us how the line between exuberance and controversy can so easily blur, leaving both fans and foes with much to ponder.
