Jude Bellingham faces UEFA investigation after England star's controversial moment vs Slovakia

England's Jude Bellingham has found himself under UEFA scrutiny following a gesture he made after netting a crucial late equaliser against Slovakia.

The midfield maestro, who plies his trade with Real Madrid, seemed to direct a gesture towards the Slovakian bench after executing an overhead kick that levelled the score in the final moments of added time at Gelsenkirchen.

In a statement issued on Monday, UEFA announced: "A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match."

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They added that further details would be shared when available. It comes after the 21-year-old dismissed claims of unsportsmanlike behaviour towards their Euro 2024 opponents.

On social media platform X, Bellingham addressed the incident, explaining: "An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."

UEFA rules stipulate that any player making an “obscene gesture” or engaging in “offensive or insulting action” can be handed a ban. European football’s governing body will review the reports of the match referee and officials before taking any action.

Already, Gareth Southgate will be without Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi after he was one of the three England players to be cautioned by Turkey referee Halil Meler. It has been claimed by Portuguese outlet A Bola that the footballing governing body could consider the gesture offensive and worthy of sanction - including a one-match ban.

The Real Madrid star is England's joint-top goalscorer in the competition so far after adding his second goal of the tournament in dramatic fashion. Harry Kane is also in the hut for the Three Lions' golden boot as he headed in the winner against Slovakia.