JUDE BELLINGHAM could face Fifa action for slapping Argentina’s Valentin Barco in the aftermath of England’s World Cup semi-final defeat.
Three Lions ace Bellingham, 23, was congratulating other Argentine players at the final whistle when he got into an altercation with Strasbourg midfielder Barco.
Jude Bellingham slapped Valentin Barco after England’s World Cup exit
The Three Lions star could face a Fifa ban for the hit Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Video footage appeared to show Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham reeling from an apparent comment by Barco.
That saw him react and cuff the Strasbourg man with his right hand before other players intervened.
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Bellingham’s reaction was not spotted by any of the match officials.
But it opens him up to potential disciplinary action by Fifa, who have already been accused of operating double standards in the competition.
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Bellingham, who was in tears after full-time, could even face a ban – ruling him out of Saturday’s third-place game with France in Miami.
Given the despondency that has settled over the England camp after their defeat to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, that would probably not be too much of a loss.
Indeed, Thomas Tuchel may have to look for volunteers to fulfil the fixture.
England’s squad will now be desperate to pack up their bags in Kansas City and head for home and a rest before the start of the new season.
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It is more likely, though, that Fifa will choose to let the incident pass without any action.
Alternatively, Bellingham could be hit with a fine – which might be suspended.
Fifa have been asked for comment and have yet to respond.
Nevertheless, Bellingham’s World Cup tournament will not be defined by the incident.
He scored six goals, including back-to-back doubles in the wins over Mexico and Norway.
