Dele Alli apologises for offensive gesture during England's World Cup Qualifier win over Slovakia

By Matthew Treadwell

Image: Dele Alli has apologised for an offensive gesture he made at Wembley

Dele Alli has apologised on social media after making an offensive gesture during England's 2-1 win over Slovakia at Wembley.

Alli made the gesture in the 77th minute of the World Cup European Qualifier at Wembley but he took to Twitter after the game to say sorry and stated it was aimed in the direction of former Tottenham team-mate Kyle Walker.

"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," Alli tweeted.

The incident took place in the 76th minute of the match after the 21-year-old was denied a free-kick following a tackle from Martin Skrtel.

Southgate revealed in his post-match news conference on Monday night that Alli had told him the gesture was directed at Walker and was meant in a light-hearted manner.

Advertisement
Gareth Southgate says he was aware of Alli's gesture but hadn't seen it

"I've not seen it but I've been made aware of it. Dele and Kyle were mucking about and Deli made a gesture towards Kyle," he said.

"I don't know what's been visible on the picture and what the angle of the picture is. They have a strange way of communicating but that's what they've said when I raised it.

Also See:

"But as I say, I haven't seen it myself."

FIFA may choose to also review the incident with Alli facing possible retrospective action, depending on what French referee Clement Turpin includes in his report.

Alli's gesture slightly marred what was an otherwise positive night for England, who now require just two more points from their final two Group F games to secure their place at next year's World Cup finals in Russia.

The win over Slovakia moves them five points clear of second-placed Slovakia, with Scotland just a point further back in third after they defeated Malta 2-0 at Hampden Park.

Play For Free Now

Soccer Saturday Super 6 - It's free to join and play! Correctly predict the scores of 6 football games for your chance to win £1,000,000 in the next round

Outbrain