[Saba Sports News] Argentina staged a 2‑1 comeback win over England in the World Cup semi‑final. Jude Bellingham landed in controversy after he tapped the back of Valentín Barco’s head following the final whistle.
After full‑time, unused substitute Barco ran onto the pitch and celebrated wildly right in front of England players. This action clearly irritated Bellingham. Footage captured him walking up to the former Brighton man and patting him on the back of his head, prompting Barco to push him away straight‑away.
Bellingham did not back down. He closed in on the 21‑year‑old and taunted him up‑close. Nicolás Otamendi then stepped in and pushed Bellingham apart. According to British outlet talkSPORT, Bellingham could receive additional suspension if FIFA launches an investigation into the incident. Bellingham was not the only English star caught‑up in post‑match friction. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers grew furious with Argentina’s behaviour and had to be pulled away by his teammates.
In my opinion, Bellingham’s act of hitting Barco on the back of his head and continuing his taunts counts as clear misconduct against sportsmanship. No‑one can justify his behaviour regardless of what triggered the dispute, and he stands a high chance of being handed extra match‑bans by FIFA.