“ONE SLAP… AND NOW THE WHOLE WORLD IS ASKING WHY.” 😳⚽ — NEW FOOTAGE MAY HAVE REVEALED WHAT PUSHED JUDE BELLINGHAM OVER THE EDGE Fresh footage from England’s World Cup semi-final d*feat to Argentina appears to shed new light on the heated confrontation involving Jude Bellingham after the final whistle. While the England star’s slap initially looked completely unprovoked, a moment captured earlier in the match has sparked intense debate among fans. Tempers had been boiling throughout the contest, and emotions exploded as Argentina completed their dramatic comeback. But it’s the newly surfaced sequence of events that could completely change how many people view the incident.

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NEW footage has revealed the possible reason Jude Bellingham slapped Valentin Barco after Argentina’s win over England.

Unused substitute Barco, 21, celebrated near Bellingham in a huddle with several other Argentina stars after a dramatic 2-1 win on Wednesday.

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Jude Bellingham slapped Valentin Barco after Argentina’s win over EnglandCredit: Refer to source
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An angry confrontation between Bellingham and the Argentina star followedCredit: Refer to source

So when the England man singled him out for a clip round the ear, it looked like a completely unprovoked attack.

But a snippet from earlier in the World Cup semi-final showdown hints at a possible motive.

Like several other subs, Barco sprinted to join in the celebrations when Enzo Fernandez equalised from long range in the 85th minute.

But unlike his pals, the youngster ran straight into the path of the England players, jumping and cheering in front of them.

Barco even got a hearty shove from John Stones before retreating back to the bench.

Those moments may have stuck with Bellingham when he decided to take a sly pop at Barco after the game.

Bellingham’s dig sparked an angry reaction, with Barco turning around and pushing the Three Lions midfielder before Nicolas Otamendi arrived on the scene to back up his team-mate.

The incident was not spotted by match officials at the time but Fifa could yet take disciplinary action against Bellingham.

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Barco celebrated Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser in front of the England playersCredit: X
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Barco got a shove from John Stones before retreating to the benchCredit: X

And that could rule him out of England’s third place play-off against France on Saturday.

Premier League fans may be familiar with Barco, who made seven first-team appearances during a brief stint at Brighton.

The Seagulls sold him to Strasbourg last year, where he impressed in midfield and at left-back.

Barco is expected to join sister club Chelsea this summer, although a deal has not yet been announced.

SOURCE: THESUN