JUDE BELLINGHAM has defended the controversial gesture he made after scoring for England against Slovakia.
The midfielder had been accused of taunting the opposition bench after celebrating his stoppage time equaliser on Sunday.
Bellingham’s overhead kick sent the match to extra-time, where Harry Kane grabbed the winner to send England through.
However, the 21-year-old’s celebration also created a talking point on social media.
As he walked back to the centre circle, Bellingham could be seen gesturing towards the side of the pitch.
He shook his hand in front of his crotch and smiled, with the video later posted online amid claims he had gestured towards the Slovakia bench.
However, Bellingham shut down the accusations by responding himself.
He wrote on X: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.
“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Bellingham also included a yawning, ‘X’ and handshake emoji alongside his post.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
As well as scoring, Bellingham was also awarded the player of the match award after the match.
He capped his display with the equaliser, before sending fans wild with his celebration.
CHECK out all the best action from England's rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.
Bellingham pulled off his trademark arms raised pose after shouting “Who else?” towards the crowd in Gelsenkirchen.
The former Birmingham starlet also joined in with Kane to recreate his celebration following the winning goal.
Meanwhile, his strike takes his tally at the tournament to two alongside a header in the win against Serbia.
England will now turn their attention to Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland.
The Swiss booked their place in the last eight by beating Italy on Saturday.
