The Football Association (FA) have launched an investigation into social media posts by Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli which appeared to mock the coronavirus.
According to a report from the Evening Standard, that FA have written to Alli to ask for his observations of the incident and if it is deemed to be racist then he is likely to be heavily fined whilst he could also face a ban. The video was posted via Snapchat and showed Alli wearing a face mask with the caption: “Corona whattt, please listen with volume,” (Evening Standard).
The camera then zoomed in on a man of Asian appearance before panning onto a bottle of anti-septic hand-wash with a further caption of: “This virus gunna have to be quicker than that to catch me.”
Alli has since apologized for the social media post, saying: “I let myself down and the club,” (via BBC Sport). Coronavirus has led to over 900 deaths in China and eight deaths in the United Kingdom, with the Department of Health saying on Monday that it was a “serious and imminent threat” to public health (BBC).
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It seems that many Spurs fans are divided about Alli potentially receiving a ban for his actions, however. Whilst some think that it would be deserved, others think that it would be a little harsh on the 23-year-old. Here is what some had to say on Twitter…
He’d deserve any fine/ban he faces. Not to mention any stick from his teammates and coach for missing those games. We were just getting into a good run of results again.
— Ali (@alimohddshahid) February 10, 2020
He deserves it
— Harry C (@HazSpur92) February 10, 2020
I really love him, and we need him. But he deserves to be punished. He is no longer a young player. He should be held responsible for his misbehavior.
— clairdelune (@nUFuy4SBPVBg0f4) February 10, 2020
Something I don’t agree with the guy made a joke man not even that deep
— 12 (@conkhailou12) February 10, 2020
Dele has apologised, so stop being so sensitive and move on. COYS
— Jules Tottenham Bevis (@julesbevis) February 11, 2020
Pathetic. Suspended by the most corrupt football association in world football.
— Jaybothfc (@jaybothfc) February 11, 2020
Spurs fans, do you think that Dele Alli deserves to be banned for his social media posts? Let us know in the comments below…
