Fifa open disciplinary proceedings against Dele Alli over one-fingered hand gesture during England’s win over Slovakia
FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Dele Alli over his one-fingered hand gesture during England's win over Slovakia.
The Tottenham star appeared to stick his middle finger up in the direction of the referee... with the player himself claiming it was aimed at pal Kyle Walker.
Alli claimed he was taking part in an in-joke with former club team-mate Walker… with England boss Gareth Southgate backing up that fact.
The Spurs midfielder star said: “Just to clarify, the gesture tonight was a joke between me and my good friend Kyle Walker!
“Apologies for any offence caused! Great win 2nite (sic).”
Meanwhile, Southgate confirmed that, saying: “Dele and Kyle Walker were messing about and Dele made gesture towards Kyle.
“They have strange way of communicating!”
However, Fifa have revealed they WILL be looking into punishing Alli for the incident - as England went on to win the crunch game 2-1 at Wembley.
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Early claims suggest nothing more will be done until later in September.
However, if found guilty, Alli could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Lionel Messi was once banned for four games for swearing at a referee... before having his punishment rescinded due to a "lack of evidence".
With the ban almost certainly imposed for competitive matches only, that could mean Alli would miss a huge chunk of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, should England qualify.
