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.

Jude Bellingham slapped Valentin Barco after Argentina’s win over England

An angry confrontation between Bellingham and the Argentina star followed

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.

Barco celebrated Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser in front of the England players

Barco got a shove from John Stones before retreating to the bench

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: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39775703/jude-bellingham-slaps-valentin-barco-argentina-england-world-cup/