Dele Alli has claimed his controversial middle finger salute during England's win over Slovakia was a harmless joke.

The Tottenham star is seen doing the offensive wave after a challenge from Martin Skrtel.

But the target of his middle finger is in dispute, with some suggesting it was directed at the referee and others saying former Liverpool defender Skrtel himself.

If Alli is found to have flipped the bird at the referee he could face a ban.

But Alli was quick to attempt to clear up the situation on Twitter.
Dele Alli gives a middle finger salute (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)
Or was it at the referee? (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)

"Just to clarify, the gesture tonight was a joke between me and my good friend Kyle Walker!" he posted on Twitter.

"Apologies for any offence caused! Great win 2nite."

Alli - who toiled hard over the 90 minutes of England's 2-1 win before being replaced by Jake Livermore in stoppage time - appeared to be angered by a challenge in the 76th minute at Wembley.

There are also suggestions it was actually aimed at the referee but even if it's deemed a joke with a friend he could be mentioned in the referee's report.

The laws of football say a player can be shown a red card if they "use offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures", so could face a ban regardless.
Or was it aimed at Kyle Walker? (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)

Alli and Walker were also teammates at Tottenham until the latter joined Manchester City for £52million this summer.

Whoever the target, Alli could face a ban if the incident is reviewed by UEFA.

When Southgate was asked about immediately after the game, he said: "I didn't know about it it until you told me just now.

"We will have a look at it in the next couple of days."

Alli and Walker are close friends from their time together at Tottenham until the latter joined Manchester City for £52million this summer.

When Southgate was asked about immediately after the game, he said: "I didn't know about it it until you told me just now.

"We will have a look at it in the next couple of days."

And England manager Gareth Southgate claimed he was showing it jokingly to team-mate Kyle Walker.
It's disputed as to who the offensive wave was directed at (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)
Gareth Southgate leaped to the defence of his player (
Image:
REUTERS)

But he later added: "Dele and Kyle were mucking about and maybe Dele has gestured towards Kyle.... they have a strange way of communicating."

ITV pundit Lee Dixon added: "If the ref has seen it and it is in his report then he's in trouble."