World Cup

Football Association responds to FIFA over Dele Alli middle-finger gesture

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 14 September 2017

The Football Association responds to FIFA over Dele Alli's middle-finger gesture in England colours, reportedly including previously unseen video evidence of the incident.

The Football Association has reportedly sent a video to FIFA in a bid to prove that Dele Alli's middle-finger gesture was not aimed at an official or opponent.

Television pictures showed the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder making the gesture during England's 2-1 win over Slovakia in World Cup qualifying last week.

The incident occurred in the 77th minute after Alli was body-checked by Fenerbahce defender Martin Skrtel, and referee Clement Turpin waved play on.

World football's governing body has opened proceedings against the 21-year-old, who has argued that his gesture was aimed at Three Lions teammate Kyle Walker as a joke.

An FA spokesperson said that the organisation had responded to FIFA on Wednesday and added: "We understand the case will be reviewed by the disciplinary committee before the end of the month."

According to PA, the FA's submission included a plea in mitigation and video evidence showing that the middle-finger gesture was aimed at Walker rather than the officials or any Slovakia player.

It is also understood that the FA has asked FIFA to confirm that the decision will be made before the World Cup qualifier at home to Slovenia on October 5.