September 8 – FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli over his middle-finger gesture during England’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Monday.
Television pictures showed Alli’s gesture during the 2-1 win at Wembley which the 21-year-old insists was a “joke” as part of banter with teammate Kyle Walker.
Alli and full-back Walker were team-mates at Spurs until the latter joined Manchester City this summer.
The incident occurred in the 77th minute after Alli was body-checked by Slovakia’s Fenerbahce defender Martin Skrtel and referee Clement Turpin waved play on. It initially appeared that Alli gestured towards Turpin, with whom he also had words when he was substituted in the 93rd minute.
Alli could potentially face a three-match England ban. Even if the incident is not included in the referee’s match report, he could be handed retrospective punishment if it is deemed as serious misconduct.
Alli’s manager at Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino, attempted to play down the incident.
“I don’t think it’ll be a big issue with FIFA or with us,” he said. “I remember when I was a player, worse things happened on the pitch but today there’s a lot of cameras, maybe 50 cameras, and we’re so focused on the players.”
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