DELE ALLI’S middle-finger gesture should not be investigated by FIFA as it was just “harmless banter”, according to England team-mate Jamie Vardy.
Alli appeared to make the offensive signal at the referee during Monday’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying win against Slovakia at Wembley.
But the Tottenham star later insisted via social media that the gesture was aimed at his former Spurs team-mate Kyle Walker and made in jest.
Morning @dele_official 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Bl1pl3tYxu
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) September 5, 2017
Vardy, who was an unused substitute for Gareth Southgate’s side in that match, has defended Alli over suggestions he could face an investigation.
The middle finger? Come on, it’s harmless, isn’t it? It’s just something that has been blown out of proportion,” Vardy said.
“He was doing it to Walks and he’s replied on his Twitter. It’s just harmless banter. They’re always having a laugh and a giggle. That’s just how they are.
The two of them were team-mates for a few years. They’re going to like to mess around, especially now that Walks has moved on himself.
“It’s probably the only chance they do get to mess around, when they’re with England. It will definitely be harsh if Fifa punish him.”
Vardy suggested moments such as Alli’s gesture towards his former team-mate should not be taken out of football.
If he gets reprimanded for that, then we might as well take emotion and enjoyment out of the game,” Vardy added at the premiere of his new TV show, The Next Jamie Vardy.
“Everyone has got to have a bit of banter, otherwise I don’t think you would get through the day of being a footballer.”
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
— Dele (@dele_official) September 4, 2017
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It’s going to be an interesting season. It’s hard to call who’s going to win it since all the clubs change around so much. Dundalk should win it again on paper but this Cork side looks good. I really rated Bolger last season and thought he held pats together in midfield so with the players around him I’d say cork could be that bit harder to beat.
Are clubs still paying a yearly registration fee. If so what is it this year?
Hard to know if Dundalk will still have the hunger. Last season was all about becoming the first Dundalk team to win two in a row, this season, I think a decent run in Europe is the aim. Maybe that will affect our league progress. Having said that, it’s hard to see a better team in the league.
Maybe fix up the ground should be part of this seasons plan too for Dundalk with the recent success , it has to be the worst stadium in Ireland. How it got approved for European football last season still has me shocked.
Problem with lease that is preventing them from upgrading. http://www.the42.ie/dundalk-statement-oriel-park-2585281-Feb2016/
Compleatly forgot about that ! Fair point it’s a sticky situation.
Have to agree with you, the stadium is in a shocking state. Unfortunately the leasing issue seems to be holding up any developments. Personally I’d love to see the pitch ripped up and a return to grass.