Dele Alli was accused of diving by a number of fans after winning Tottenham a penalty in Saturday’s Premier League clash at Burnley.
After six minutes, England international Alli went down in the box as Kevin Long attempted to prod the ball clear and Michael Oliver awarded a spot-kick.
Replays showed there was minimal contact and Alli, 21, appeared to fall to the ground before coming into contact with Republic of Ireland international Long.
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Harry Kane slotted home the penalty to give Spurs a crucial lead at Turf Moor.
Speaking on BT Sport, former Premier League referee Graham Poll said: ‘I agree absolutely, Michael Oliver has called that correctly.
‘It’s not just a knee on knee, the arm has come in as well, he’s definitely been impeded, it’s a good decision.’
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard added: ‘There is contact, Kevin Long is late and slow and gives the referee a decision to make.
‘Dele has been a bit clever but you would be in this situation. He’s bound to go down.
Jermaine Jenas said: ‘If defenders are stupid enough to have a nibble and have a bite, strikers and players like Dele are well within their rights to go down.’
But another of fans were less than convinced and also criticised Dele for a late challenge on Charlie Taylor that he was penalised for just minutes prior to the penalty.
Here’s how fans reacted to the penalty incident:
Dele Alli should be off the pitch that was a dive
— Ryan Robatz (@RyanRobBDA) December 23, 2017
Will Dele Alli get suspended for the dive or do rules not apply on the English?
— Deif (@Athpilicueta) December 23, 2017
That was a really bad dive by Dele Alli… we've reached peak Alli in the first six minutes. #THFC
— Matt Lichtenstadter (@MattsMusings1) December 23, 2017
Can't stand Dele Alli, looks like he can't stand either. Consistency please @FA that's a dive all day!
— Charlie Harlow (@HarlowCharlie) December 23, 2017
Dele Alli could get charged for diving after that. I thought it was a penalty at first view but seeing the replay it was a clear dive
— Hi, My name is Joe (@SayNoMore33) December 23, 2017
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