England fear Dele ban
ENGLAND are fighting to ensure Dele Alli does not miss the start of the World Cup after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings into his middle-finger gesture. Alli claimed the sign during Monday’s 2-1 win against Slovakia at Wembley was aimed at team-mate Kyle Walker and not French referee Clement Turpin, as it had first been construed. But it could still be interpreted as ‘offensive behaviour’ and FIFA have the power to impose an extended ban. England have two more qualifiers and anything beyond a two-game ban would spill into the finals in Russia next summer. The FA has until Wednesday to lodge its official response and are already working on Alli’s case in the belief TV evidence will prove no gesture was aimed at referee Turpin. They may also ask Walker to provide his side of events. Article 57 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, covering ‘offensive behaviour and fair play’ specifies nothing about the intended target, although insulting the match officials would naturally be considered more serious. FIFA hope to confirm their decision before the October international break. The FA would have grounds for appeal but may find it prudent to accept anything less than a three-match ban.