Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterJude Bellingham was visibly dejected at full-time after Englands 2-1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.The Real Madrid midfielders heroics had helped the Three Lions to the brink of a first final since 1966, but Lionel Messi and co. had other ideas.Bellingham was unable to impact the game as he had against Mexico and Norway in previous knockout rounds, and there were some unsavoury scenes on the pitch after the final whistle.Play our FREE match predictor below and win �1kWhy did Bellingham clash with Barco?Bellingham had an altercation with Argentina substitute Valentin Barco, who was celebrating with team-mates near the England star.The 23-year-old walked over and confronted Barco, before slapping the Argentina full-back and sparking a melee. You may like 'Whatever' Jude Bellingham responds to Thomas Tuchel England criticism after Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 Jude Bellingham rejects Man of the Match award saying no England player deserved it against Ghana Why Jude Bellingham and England were not penalised by new World Cup red card rule It is not clear what caused the incident, but Barco was seen running onto the pitch and celebrating his teams 85th-minute equaliser in front of Englands players.That clearly provoked some England players, with John Stones pushing him away, but it could be that Bellingham is now punished for his slap on Barco.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.He could yet face action from FIFAs disciplinary committee for violent conduct, which would mean a ban and a fine. Bellingham would, as a result, miss Saturdays third-place play-off against France - a game that feels inconsequential anyway.The concern would be that Bellingham faces a longer, more significant ban, one that could potentially impact future tournaments.FIFA may also consider the incident petulant rather than violent because of the lack of any real force in the slap, meaning Bellingham would escape any punishment at all.The football governing body has previously been lenient with star names, notably the controversial decision to suspend USA striker Folarin Baloguns ban for a red card so that he could play in the last 16 against Belgium, after a call from President Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino.Cristiano Ronaldo also had a ban overturned to ensure he would play the first two matches for Portugal at the World Cup.It remains to be seen how FIFA will view Bellinghams clash with Barco, but England will hope there is no more bad news to come from a disappointing night in Atlanta.TOPICSEnglandArgentinaWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Callum Rice-CoatesCallum is a football writer who has had work published by the likes of BBC Sport, the Independent, BT Sport and the Blizzard, amongst various others. A lifelong Wrexham fan, he is hoping Ryan Reynolds can lead his hometown club to the promised land.
