All posts by h716a5.icu

Jude Bellingham could face a potential ban after being caught making an X-rated gesture during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico. The English midfielder was the match-winner at the Bernabeu, but his celebration has once again sparked controversy after cameras appeared to capture him repeating the same gesture that landed him in trouble at Euro 2024.

Bellingham makes lewd gesture after winning Clasico for Real Madrid

Bellingham played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, contributing both a goal and an assist in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season in La Liga. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Madrid, only for Fermin Lopez to level for Barcelona before Bellingham struck just before half-time to restore Los Blancos’ lead — one that ultimately proved decisive.

However, celebrations took an unexpected turn when the England international was caught on camera making a lewd gesture, pointing toward his crotch while sticking out his tongue in front of supporters. The incident quickly spread across social media, drawing comparisons to the same gesture Bellingham made at Euro 2024 after scoring for England against Slovakia, for which UEFA issued him a £25,000 fine and a suspended one-match ban.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportReal Madrid and Barcelona players clash in heated Clasico

The gesture has once again placed Bellingham in an uncomfortable spotlight, overshadowing an otherwise stellar performance that helped Real Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points. The match itself was a heated affair, with tempers flaring late on as Andriy Lunin was sent off in stoppage time amid a scuffle involving multiple players. La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are expected to review the footage to determine whether Bellingham’s actions warrant disciplinary action, though a decision may depend on how seriously the governing bodies interpret his intent.

If sanctioned, Bellingham could face a fine or even a short suspension, a setback that Real Madrid can ill afford as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures. Head coach Xabi Alonso, who has praised the midfielder’s resurgence since the international break, will be keen to keep one of his most influential players available. Speaking after the match, Alonso said: “He’s had three very good games. We knew before the last break that he needed time and minutes to get going, and he’s done better than we expected. Jude is all about feeling, communicating, and connecting. That’s why he’s had some very good games.”

Bale got away with a similar gesture in 2019

This is not the first time a Real Madrid player has become embroiled in controversy for a similar act. Back in 2019, Gareth Bale made the infamous “corte de mangas” gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans — a motion considered deeply offensive in Spain — yet he escaped punishment from the authorities. That precedent could provide some comfort to Bellingham, who will hope that the Spanish FA takes a lenient view. The midfielder’s previous incident at Euro 2024, however, may not work in his favour, even though UEFA’s jurisdiction does not extend to La Liga matches.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick landed himself in hot water last week after being shown a second yellow card for making a gesture during a win over Girona. Flick also picked up a one-match ban and was suspended from the touchline for El Clasico. All eyes will now be trained on whether La Liga manage to clamp down on Bellingham’s X-rated gesture with similar vigour, while a lack of action could very well reiterate a dig made by Lamine Yamal before the Clasico, a sentiment shared heavily by fans of other La Liga teams through the last few seasons.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPCould Bellingham be banned for Valencia clash?

Bellingham will now await any formal word from the league authorities regarding potential punishment, but as of now, no official statement has been released. If history is any indicator, a review process could take several days, with Real Madrid’s legal team likely to argue that the gesture was made in jest or misinterpreted by cameras. Even if he avoids a ban, the incident is likely to be discussed heavily in the Spanish media over the coming days, reigniting debates that have raged in the last few weeks.

In the meantime, the 22-year-old remains focused on maintaining his fine form for Madrid, who are entering a critical phase of the season. After being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad, Bellingham will hope that his club displays — rather than his on-field antics — become the talking point ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Albania.

England’s star seamer hasn’t won a Test against Australia since 2015, and time is running out

Matt Roller27-Jun-2023At London Stadium on Saturday night, Adam Wainwright had one of the worst games of his career. A St Louis Cardinals pitcher, Wainwright conceded seven runs – his worst performance of what is his final Major League Baseball season, at the age of 41. Watching from the stands was James Anderson.Along with Nathan Lyon, Anderson threw the ceremonial first pitch of the match before joining the BBC commentary team, which featured his podcast co-host Felix White. “Remind you of anyone?” White asked Anderson after explaining Wainwright’s back story. “Definitely,” Anderson replied with a wry smile.Anderson’s performance in Birmingham earlier that week was not as bad as Wainwright’s in London – but it was not a Test match that he will look back on with any fondness. He took a solitary wicket in his 38 overs across both innings and admitted in his column this week: “I wasn’t on top of my game”.It could easily have been three wickets, however. Anderson had two chances missed off his bowling: in the first over of the third morning, Jonny Bairstow put Alex Carey down, and in the first over of Australia’s run chase, Usman Khawaja’s outside edge flew away between Bairstow and Joe Root at first slip for four.But uncharacteristically, he played a bit-part role. He bowled fewer overs than England’s other main bowlers; the first innings was the first time in 14 years that he had played in a home Test and not taken the new ball; in the second, he was unused for the final 36.3 overs as Australia snuck home.That stretch included not taking the second new ball. “We agreed it was the type of pitch the taller bowlers were getting more out of,” Anderson said. In a match that was decided in the 93rd over, his final ball was in the 56th – and was crashed over mid-off for four by Cameron Green.James Anderson walks out for practice ahead of his record 28th Test at Lord’s•PA Images via Getty ImagesIt all added up to a familiar sensation for Anderson on the final evening: walking off the field after losing an Ashes Test. This was his 19th defeat to Australia, the third-most of any Englishman after Alec Stewart and Mike Atherton, and his 10th consecutive Ashes Test without a win.Remarkably, the last time Anderson won against Australia was eight years ago at Edgbaston, a Test in which Alastair Cook captained England and Steven Finn was named Player of the Match. This summer, both men are working as pundits for the second successive Ashes series.Four years ago, Anderson came into the Ashes undercooked – and his series lasted four overs. He had not played in over a month after a calf niggle, missed a Test match against Ireland, and suffered a recurrence of his injury at Edgbaston that ruled him out for the summer.This summer, he came into the series after a similar break since his last first-class match and admitted during the first Test: “I feel like I do need a bit of game time to get back into it.” England’s hope is that he will be better for the run, and will have a greater impact at Lord’s this week.”Jimmy’s flying,” Stokes said on Tuesday. “He had a good bowl yesterday and a good bowl today and was completely fine.” England’s decision to pick an extra seamer might alleviate his workload, but Stokes clarified: “We didn’t pick four seamers to make this week easier for Jimmy – just to make that clear.”He’s good,” Stokes added. “I mean, he’s just an unbelievable athlete, still doing what he’s doing at 40 years old… it is just unbelievable to watch him go about his business.” Anderson celebrates his 41st birthday on the penultimate scheduled day of this series.Related

England 'wanted to pick Wood' but settle for Tongue in all-seam attack

Ben Stokes: 'The game I love should be enjoyed without discrimination'

Switch Hit: Sparks fly as Lord's awaits

No smoke without fire: Robinson embraces Ashes target man status

Cummins and Australia will stay true to their approach

Anderson has a remarkable record in the Stokes-McCullum era, with 46 wickets at 19.60 even after his quiet outing in Birmingham. He has spoken of feeling reinvigorated by the new regime, enjoying a new lease of life as he approaches the end of a long and storied career.But the first Test was a reminder of his humanity. Anderson has defied retirement for so long that it is hardly worth speculating how long he has left, but told the before the series: “I don’t want to drag it out and people are thinking: ‘Can you just do one?’ I would like to be able to go out on a nice note.”It is often said that England players are remembered for their feats against Australia but Anderson might be an exception to that rule. They are the opponent against whom he averages the most (34.43), with a slightly worse record at home (45 wickets at 35.06) than away (68 at 34.01).The next five weeks provide him with an opportunity to change that. Anderson has thrived at Lord’s and conditions for the second Test looked ideally suited to him: a covering of live grass on a pitch that MCC hope will have more pace than last week’s, plus cloud cover throughout the five days.There are five months between the end of the Ashes and the start of England’s next Test series in India, an obvious opportunity for Anderson to bow out if he decides it is time to move on. What better stage for it than a potential Oval decider?

Newcastle United are set to miss out on yet another striker target as Spain international Samu Aghehowa appears intent on staying at Porto. The 21-year-old, who scored 27 goals last season, is focused on helping the Dragons win the title and improving his numbers, with local media insisting he’s not tempted by 'greed' or a Premier League switch.

Spain star Aghehowa unlikely to join Newcastle this summerPorto striker not tempted by ‘greed’ amid transfer linksMagpies face another rejection in search for new strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Reports from Portuguese outlet Record claim Aghehowa is aware of Newcastle’s interest but is fully committed to Porto’s campaign. The forward’s stance comes despite Eddie Howe’s side searching for attacking reinforcements after missing out on several targets. Porto are also unwilling to sanction a sale just a year after signing him from Atletico Madrid.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Newcastle’s striker hunt has already seen them fail to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who chose Manchester United instead. Interest in Aghehowa comes amid uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future, with Liverpool having a £110m bid rejected. Porto, protected by a €100m (£87m/$117m) release clause, remain in a strong negotiating position.

DID YOU KNOW?

While Record claim Aghehowa’s focus is on winning trophies with Porto rather than chasing a big payday, O Jogo adds that a late move for the Spaniard to Newcastle is "not impossible". Even with an offer, convincing the striker to leave will be a major challenge for the Magpies.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR AGHEHOWA?

Unless Newcastle make a huge bid that changes Porto’s stance, Aghehowa looks set to remain in Portugal. Howe’s side may be forced to explore alternative targets as the transfer deadline looms. For now, Porto’s star striker remains firmly focused on silverware in the Primeira Liga.

Northants secure return for Matthew Breetzke in Championship and Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2024Lancashire have signed Australia allrounder Chris Green as one of their overseas players in the Vitality T20 Blast for the next two seasons.Green, 31, was Lancashire’s leading wicket-taker in the Blast this summer with 14, helping the club to qualify for the knockouts – although, due to the lengthy gap after the group stage, he had moved on to the CPL and was unavailable for their quarter-final defeat against Sussex.His contract again includes the provision to play in the County Championship and One-Day Cup, subject to availability. Green, who also turned out for Trent Rockets in the Hundred, made six One-Day Cup games appearances – scoring his maiden hundred – and one in the Championship for Lancashire in 2024.”I absolutely loved my first year with the club and I am even more excited to be coming back for the next two seasons – I can’t wait to join up with the team again next summer,” Green said. “It is a really special group of players at Lancashire. I know that there are big things to come, and I am looking forward to playing my part in that during 2025 and 2026.”I really felt the support from all of the Red Rose Members and supporters this summer and I can’t wait to see you all again next season at Emirates Old Trafford.”Lancahisre’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, said: “One of our key priorities heading into the winter was to secure Chris’ services so we are really pleased to get this deal done early and to have his commitment to playing for Lancashire in the Vitality Blast for the next two years.”Chris made a huge impact for us on the field and had a number of options and offers to play around the world, but we are delighted that he has committed to being here at Emirates Old Trafford. Not only did Chris’ performances with bat and ball stand out this season but he also really impressed us with his leadership and his personality had a huge influence on the dressing room. We are all looking forward to welcoming him back to the club next summer.”Breetzke back at NorthantsNorthamptonshire, meanwhile, have re-signed South Africa top-order batter Matthew Breetzke for the first half of the 2025 summer. Breetzke will be available for Northants’ first eight games in the County Championship, as well as the whole of the Blast group stage.The 25-year-old finished as Northants’ leading run-scorer in the 2024 Blast, with 460 at a strike rate of 153.84, helping the club to reach the quarter-finals.”I’m delighted to sign with Northamptonshire for the 2025 season,” Breetzke said. “I really enjoyed my time at the club this year. I think the team has a lot of potential to push for promotion as well as go a few steps further in the Blast and win it. I’m looking forward to helping the team and hopefully achieving many more victories along the way.”

West Bromwich Albion fans will want to see their team break free of their tag of nearly-men in the Championship promotion race this coming season.

The Baggies have now been outside the luxuries of the Premier League for four seasons on the spin, with Carlos Corberan clinching a playoff spot for the West Midlands side during the 2023/24 season, only for a semi-final exit to crush their promotion dreams.

It will be up to rookie manager Ryan Mason to finally guide West Brom back up to the Premier League, with the powers that be at the Hawthorns going down a brave, new route in offering the inexperienced 33-year-old the reins.

He might well look to utilise his former Tottenham Hotspur connections when attempting to land gems in the transfer market, with Mikey Moore one North London prodigy that continues to stick out.

Latest on West Brom's pursuit of Moore

It has been a long-standing rumour at the Hawthorns this summer that West Brom are interested in bringing the 17-year-old sensation to the Championship.

After all, the teenage attacker does boast an astounding return of 19 goals from 24 appearances for Spurs’ U19s, on top of also showing off his class in senior action when powering home his first-ever men’s goal for Thomas Frank’s men last season in the Europa League.

But, it could be argued that West Brom are already strong down both the left wing and right wing – where Moore regularly roams – with Tom Fellows, Jed Wallace, and Mikey Johnston all at Mason’s disposal. Between them last season in the second tier, the entertaining trio would tally up a hefty 27 goal contributions.

Moreover, with experience perhaps preferred when looking for fresh recruits down the wing as ex-Derby forward Tom Lawrence continues to be linked, the Baggies might look to other faces in the Spurs academy to bolster their squad, with a loan return for this striker potentially on the menu as a better pick-up than Moore.

How Mason could seal a better signing than Moore

If there was an area on the pitch that fills West Brom with anxiety, it would be up top in the centre-forward position.

West Brom haven’t been blessed with lady luck in this department, considering Josh Maja found himself out of action from January onwards last campaign when picking up an unfortunate injury, away from Daryl Dike also being a regular member of the Hawthorns treatment room.

Josh Maja

26

12

44

Karlan Grant

44

7

4

Devante Cole

16

0

0

Daryl Dike

11

1

133

Therefore, to ensure they don’t leave themselves short on numbers in attack, West Brom could soon welcome back former loan face Will Lankshear to Mason’s camp, with Football London reporting earlier this week that the Baggies want to secure the temporary signature of the 20-year-old once more, alongside other Championship suitors sniffing around.

Lankshear did endure a testing loan stint with the club last season, with zero goals picked up across 11 appearances, but he was shoved into the deep-end arguably, considering he joined the building right in the midst of West Brom’s promotion push falling flat.

He only started four of those league clashes too, and with such a glowing track record in youth circles at Spurs – much like Moore – Mason might well be the perfect manager to get the most out of Lankshear in a senior set-up, having worked with him closely in North London.

Amazingly, the “phenomenal” forward – as he was labelled by journalist John Wenham – has an even sturdier goal tally next to his name for the Spurs U21s than Moore has managed in his age bracket, with a venomous 26 strikes amassed from just 35 contests.

Even if Maja is back to full fitness this coming season, adding in Lankshear wouldn’t hurt, with the 20-year-old hotshot no doubt able to enhance his game bouncing off of such an experienced EFL head.

With their highest average age across the lineup coming in at 28.7 last season, adding in stars of the future, such as the England U20 international, could be a worthwhile move, as Mason attempts to leave his mark on the Baggies to try and push his new employers up the league.

After Nat Phillips: West Brom could sign "sublime" Fellows replacement

If West Bromwich Albion are powerless to Tom Fellows leaving, this sublime star joining the building could be his best possible replacement.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 24, 2025