Jude Bellingham 'deserves one-match England ban' as furious Gabby Agbonlahor wades in
Gabby Agbonlahor has laughed off calls for Jude Bellingham to be suspended for his celebration in the aftermath of his stunning equaliser against Slovakia
Gabby Agbonlahor has defended Jude Bellingham amid calls for the England star should be hit with a match ban.
UEFA have launched an investigation into Bellingham's celebration following his last-gasp equaliser in England's last-16 victory over Slovakia. The Real Madrid ace appeared to grab his crotch in the aftermath of his spectacular 95th-minute strike, which took the game to extra-time before Harry Kane's winner.
After a clip of the incident went viral on social media, Bellingham denied any wrongdoing, insisting on X that it was an "inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game". He added that he had "nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played".
The matter is now in the hands of the UEFA, who are conducting a "disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct" by Bellingham. If the 21-year-old is found to have breached Article 57 of the FIFA disciplinary code, he could receive a ban or a heavy fine.
talkSPORT pundit and former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor has waded into the debate over Bellingham's conduct, sarcastically saying "Lock him up!" and "What is wrong with you?" to fans who are calling for him to be banned.
A caller then argued why Bellingham would deserve a suspension. They said: "Are we allowing people, just because they're good players, to behave like that? I know they don't ask to be role models but they are and what he did was rude.
"I just think it's disgusting. You have got kids watching and it's about knowing your audience. He's portrayed as this amazing player, but I personally think he's overrated."
Agbonlahor responded by defending the former Birmingham City youngster. He said: "I have to disagree. He should have a warning, maybe that he did the wrong thing, but not to be banned, I don't think that's the right thing.
YOUR TURN! Should Bellingham be banned for his celebration? Tell us in the comments section.
The caller went on: "The problem in this day and age is we let superstars in this country away with absolute murder and we can't." Agbonlahor then joked: "I bet you're fun on a night out.
"He shouldn't be banned, come on. We have to stop this narrative now." Agbonlahor added: "This is from an England fan as well. Deary me, what is the world coming to if you want your own player banned in a tournament?
"He scored two fantastic goals and you want him banned because he made a gesture that he shouldn't have done. A tap on the wrist and say, 'Don't do that again'. He'll learn from that. He's 21. He's still a young, young lad. Give him a break."
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