Is this why Bellingham slapped Albion discard Barco?

Brighton and Hove Albion FC England football Football Sport

Jude Bellingham was involved in a brief but angry spat with a former Albion player as England crashed out of the World Cup.

And what looked an inexplicable clash might have had its origins in scenes straight after the first Argentina goal.

Bellingham shook hands with several opposing players after the Three Lions had suffered their 2-1 defeat.

He looked bitterly disappointed but calm.

Then he suddenly approached Barco and gave him a slap on the head, which sparked anger among the Argentina team.

JAJAJA EL COLO BARCO SE FUÉ A GRITARLES A LOS INGLESES EL GOL DE ENZO FERNANDEZ POR ESO LE DIÓ UN SOPAPO BELLINGHAM, POR FAVOR SCALONI NECESITO QUE JUEGUE LA FINAL LAS COSAS QUE LES PUEDE HACER A LOS GALLEGOS NO TIENEN NOMBRE pic.twitter.com/VlGUUJgcd1

— Boludos con Amarok (@BoludoscnAmarok) July 16, 2026

It appeared Barco, who had a brief stint with the Seagulls late in Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure, might have said something.

But the incident might also have been related to scenes after Enzo Fernandez scored Argentina’s equaliser.

Barco, who played for 19 minutes in the win over Jordan but has generally been an unused substitute throughout the tournament, ran on to the pitch from his spot on the bench.

As Argentina celebrated in the corner of the pitch, he instead ran round the pitch appearing to goad England players.

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Barco showed talent and promise during his time with the Seagulls after a lengthy pursuit of his services from Boca Juniors.

But he was offloaded surprisingly quickly and has since joined Strasbourg after a disappointing loan at Sevilla.

He is expected to move on to fellow BlueCo club Chelsea.