Bellingham slaps Argentina substitute Barco after World Cup loss
11 reported1 unconfirmed
Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head following England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat, according to a BBC News report. Barco, who did not play in the match, came onto the pitch at full-time and was hugging teammates near Bellingham when the England midfielder walked over and slapped him. The incident sparked a small melee involving players from both sides before Bellingham walked away. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, described Barco’s actions as “probably the worst example of sportsmanship we’ve seen at this World Cup.” Bellingham could face action from FIFA’s disciplinary committee for violent conduct, which would result in a suspension for Saturday’s bronze medal match against France if found guilty. However, FIFA is more likely to consider the act as petulant rather than violent, and the laws of the game state there is no red-card offence if the force used is negligible.
What’s reported
Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head after England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat.
Barco did not play in the game and came onto the pitch at full-time, hugging teammates near Bellingham.
The slap sparked a small melee involving players from both sides before Bellingham walked away.
Footage showed Barco running onto the pitch after Enzo Fernandez’s 85th-minute equaliser and celebrating in front of England players.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson described Barco’s actions as “probably the worst example of sportsmanship we’ve seen at this World Cup.”
Bellingham could face action from FIFA’s disciplinary committee for violent conduct, potentially resulting in a suspension for the bronze medal match against France.
FIFA is more likely to consider the act as petulant rather than violent, and the laws of the game state no red-card offence if force is negligible.
Lautaro Martinez headed the winner for Argentina in the second minute of stoppage time.
England had taken an early second-half lead through Anthony Gordon’s goal.
Barco, 21, plays for French side Strasbourg and previously had a spell at Brighton; he is expected to join Chelsea.
Bellingham also had a confrontation with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the fourth minute after England midfielder Elliot Anderson was fouled.
Open questions
What prompted Bellingham’s reaction is not known.
Key figures
Jude Bellingham (England midfielder)
Valentin Barco (Argentina substitute)
Paul Robinson (former England goalkeeper, commentator)
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina player)
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina player)
Anthony Gordon (England player)
Lionel Messi (Argentina captain)
Elliot Anderson (England midfielder)
Ismail Elfath (American referee)
Sources: BBC News
