England midfielder Jude Bellingham struck the back of Argentina player Valentín Barco‘s head following their World Cup semifinal loss in Atlanta.
Although Barco was on the bench and did not participate in the match, he celebrated an equalizer by Enzo Fernández by rushing onto the field and pumping his fists, which resulted in a shove from England defender John Stones
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After the final whistle, Bellingham approached Barco, who was celebrating with teammates, and appeared to slap the back of his head.
Barco then turned to confront Bellingham, prompting their teammates to intervene.
Per IFAB regulations, “a player who, when not contesting for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible.”
ESPN has sought comment from FIFA, and Bellingham may face action from FIFA’s disciplinary committee if the incident is categorized as violent conduct.
A charge of violent conduct could lead to a suspension for the 23-year-old, potentially ruling him out of Saturday’s bronze medal match against France in Miami.
Information from PA contributed to this report.