Dele Alli handed one-match ban by FIFA for 'middle-finger gesture'

England and Tottenham Hotspur player Dele Alli has been banned for one England match after raising his middle finger during the side’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia earlier this month.

FIFA, the world governing body of football, determined that the midfielder had not directed the gesture at the officiating referee, as initially suggested.

However, it ruled that Dele’s behaviour was “offensive and unsporting” and have subsequently banned him for one match.

The decision means he will be free to play during the start of England’s World Cup campaign next summer should they qualify.