Fifa open disciplinary proceedings against England's Dele Alli over middle finger gesture during Slovakia win
Both the player and England manager Gareth Southgate have claimed Alli aimed the gesture at Walker, but that has not stopped Fifa opening a disciplinary proceeding
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Your support makes all the difference.Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against England midfielder Dele Alli after he was caught on camera making an obscene gesture during a World Cup qualifying match against Slovakia, a spokesperson for the world body announced yesterday.
Alli was pictured raising his middle finger up during the second-half of England’s win, after a coming together with the former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel on the edge of the penalty area.
It was initially suggested that Alli had directed the gesture at referee Clement Turpin after Skrtel went unpunished for the challenge, although both the player and England manager Gareth Southgate have said that it was in fact aimed in jest at team-mate Kyle Walker.
“Kyle and Dele were mucking about, and Dele's made a gesture towards Kyle,” Southgate told reporters immediately after the match.
“I don't know what the angle of the pitch is. The pair of them have a strange way of communicating, but that's what they've said," he told reporters.”
Alli then explained his actions on Twitter, writing: “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).”
Alli was immediately defended by his team-mates, with both Joe Hart and Jamie Vardy downplaying the incident. “It was harmless banter that has been blown out of proportion,” said the Leicester forward.
The Independent understands that the Football Association have more television coverage of the incident in question which could be used to back-up Alli’s stance should it formally be required by Fifa.
Despite the defence of his manager and team-mate, Alli faces a potential suspension and fine for the incident, and could even miss the opening match of the 2018 World Cup if he is handed a three-match suspension.
England went on to beat Slovakia 2-1 to move closer to booking their place at the World Cup finals in Russia next summer. They return to action at home against Slovenia on October 8 and need to win only two points from their remaining two matches to ensure they finish top of Group F.
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