Buenos aires: Jude Bellingham is facing criticism after an incident involving Argentinian player Valentin Barco during the aftermath of England's elimination from the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. The match concluded with Argentina securing a 2-1 victory, propelling them to the finals and leaving England to reflect on their journey.
According to Thai News Agency, the focus shifted from the match's outcome to Bellingham's conduct post-game. As the final whistle blew, cameras captured Bellingham slapping Barco on the back of the head. This occurred as Barco was running to join his teammates in celebration, leading to a heated exchange between players from both sides who intervened to defuse the situation.
Speculation arose about whether Barco provoked Bellingham. However, video footage later clarified the sequence of events. The clip showed Bellingham standing in the field's center, appearing dejected, as Barco ran past him without any interaction. The footage confirmed that Barco did not engage with Bellingham verbally or physically before the incident. The act has since sparked discussions about sportsmanship and conduct on the field.