Dele Alli looks set to find out in the coming days whether his ill-judged middle-finger salute, supposedly at ex Tottenham team-mate Kyle Walker during last months victory over Slovakia, will lead to suspension.
According to The Daily Mail, the powers that be from FIFA’s disciplinary committee will decide on the England international’s fate by Thursday.
Qualification is within touching distance for England with Slovenia visiting Wembley next month and Gareth Southgate’s men travelling to Vilnius to take on Lithuania.
England consolidated their hold on Group F winning a hard fought tie against a stubborn Slovakian side at the start of September, victory however was overshadowed somewhat by Alli’s perceived offensive on-field gesture at Wembley.
Cameras caught the young midfielder supposedly swearing shortly after colliding with former Liverpool centre back Martin Skrtel. Dele addressed the matter on social media shortly after the game, that it was a bit of banter between himself and Kyle Walker and not aimed at the referee, Skyrtel or anyone else.
FIFA however have pursued disciplinary proceedings following the incident and will decide if Dele will face any punishment by Thursday – ironically the same day Gareth Southgate names his latest England squad.
A spokesperson from FIFA told Press Association Sport: “We can confirm that this case will be on the agenda of the Disciplinary Committee which is scheduled to meet on 27/28 September.
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“The decision will be communicated in due course; please note that disciplinary decisions are usually notified and communicated a few days after the hearing.”
Dele could be hit with a ban, a fine or both following September’s incident.A lengthy ban could be dished out meaning he would miss the start of the 2018 Russia World Cup should, as expected, the England team qualify. It would be a devastating blow for the player and the England manager and the squad as a whole.
According to The Mail, Press Association Sport understands The Football association submission included a plea in mitigation and video evidence showing that the gesture was indeed directed at Walker. Statements were made by Dele and Walker part of the submission to FIFA.
What now for Dele? Despite his assist double at the weekend it’s been a very low key start to the season for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year. He still remains one of the best young talents in English Football but he still has a long way to go to be considered world class.He has the talent but has he the temperament.
What do you guys think, was it a petulant gesture of a frustrated young man at the match officials or just a bit of banter between two friends and ex club team-mates?
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