Alli hit with three-game ban for Wembley tackle

DELE ALLI will miss Tottenham’s first three European matches next season as punishment for his sending-off against Gent last month.

The England star has been given a three-match ban by UEFA’s independent disciplinary commission, following the straight red card he received for his tackle on Brecht Dejaegere during the 2-2 draw at Wembley on February 23.

The result saw Spurs eliminated from the Europa League, meaning Alli’s ban will be served during their next European campaign.

Barring a significant collapse, that means next season, with Champions League qualification again looking a strong possibility.

If Spurs finish in the top three, that means automatic entry to the group stages — making Alli a guaranteed absentee for half of those fixtures. That would be a significant blow to Mauricio Pochettino, as Alli has scored 17 goals this season.

The Dejaegere tackle brought Alli his first red card in competitive senior football and he revealed last weekend he has held talks with Pochettino about controlling his aggression. Alli said: “It is nice to have a manager behind me who backs me and trusts me.”