On Friday morning, football fans were greeted with the news that Tottenham's Dele Alli would only receive a one-game ban from FIFA for his middle finger gesture on England duty.

The silky midfielder was found to have been directing it in the direction of his former Spurs teammate Kyle Walker, but football's governing body decided that his actions were still worthy of punishment - he was also fined around £3800.

Gareth Southgate will certainly be relieved after initial fears suggested that Alli could be absent from the Three Lions for a prolonged period.

Fortunately, he will only miss the Slovenia game at Wembley and should make his comeback in England's final World Cup qualifying game away in Lithuania.

It is a rather strange situation but it is certainly not the first time a football player has aimed a gesture like this at a fellow professional.

Back in 2010, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville went a step further during his final days with Manchester United and actually directed a middle finger salute at an opponent.

The man on the receiving end was none other Carlos Tevez, who had angered those associated with the Red Devils for making the switch to their bitter rivals City.

In the game, the Argentine striker was actually the match-winner, scoring both goals and the celebration for his first was pretty provocative towards the United fans, cupping his ears as he ran to the away end.

Neville was not pleased and reacted rather harshly.

NEVILLE FLIPS THE BIRD

Naturally, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was asked about the incident after previously stating that he had no problems with Tevez's celebration against his side.

FERGIE'S STANCE

When asked about the row, Fergie replied in typical fashion, saying, per Guardian: "I am not interested," he said. "Carlos Tevez is not our player anymore and I have nothing to say about it at all.

"Players argue with each other all the time. They have a go at each other time and time again. It is not an issue for us. We move on."

If Fergie had had any say, Alli's little misdemeanour would have been swept under the rug.

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