Jamie Vardy reckons Fifa will have sense of humour failure if they ban Dele Alli over gesture
Alli claims he aimed his middle-finger at pal Kyle Walker and not referee for England's World Cup qualifier with Slovakia
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JAMIE VARDY has told Fifa they will have no sense of humour if they charge England team-mate Dele Alli with misconduct.
The world football governing body are gathering evidence after Tottenham ace Alli stuck up his middle finger during the Three Lions’ 2-1 win against Slovakia.
Alli claims it was part of a joke he was having with his ex-Spurs pal Kyle Walker, who confirmed this in a tweet.
However Fifa may decide to charge the England star for inappropriate behaviour as they bid to protect their family brand.
But Vardy believes that would be harsh and would send out a message to players that they cannot show any humour during games.
Speaking at the premiere of 'The Next Jamie Vardy', he said: “The middle finger? Come on, it’s harmless, isn’t it? It’s just something that has been blown out of proportion.
“He was doing it to Walks and he’s replied on his Twitter. It’s just harmless banter.
“They’re always having a laugh and a giggle. That’s just how they are.
“The two of them were team-mates for a few years. They’re going to like to mess around, especially now that Walks has moved on himself.
“It’s probably the only chance they do get to mess around, when they’re with England.
“It will definitely be harsh if Fifa punish him.
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“If he gets reprimanded for that, then we might as well take emotion and enjoyment out of the game.
“Everyone has got to have a bit of banter, otherwise I don’t think you would get through the day of being a footballer.”
The six-part docu-series charts the progress of a number of young non-league hopefuls who wish to progress into the pro game just the Leicester star.
Vardy played non-league for the likes of Stocksbridge Park Steels, Halifax and through Vardy's new V9 Academy.
Vardy said: “There’s massive talent out there in non-league football and I hope this documentary has demonstrated that, by putting the spotlight on players trying to find a way to the top.
"I’m now hopeful that some of the clubs, scouts and players that were sceptical about what John (co-founder of V9) and I set out to do are won over.
"There are many more hidden gems to be found outside the league and V9 will do all it can to help players realise their ultimate dream of playing professional football for club and country.”
* JAMIE VARDY was speaking at the premiere of a Sky documentary series “The Next Jamie Vardy” – which starts on Sky 1 on Saturday, September 16, at 11:30am.