‘Alli has a major flaw… he can’t stop cheating!’ – ex-Premier League ref Poll

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll has branded Dele Alli a player who cannot resist the opportunity to cheat.

The England midfielder courted controversy again during Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Huddersfield at the weekend, when he was adjudged to have dived when challenged by goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, despite his side leading by three goals at the time.

Spurs 13/8 to be top London club

Poll says that the FA must take sterner action over simulation and says it could count against the 21-year-old at a vital moment.

“Dele Alli has a major flaw in his game — he can't stop cheating,” Poll told the Daily Mail. “There was a chance to score, there was no reason for the England player to dive, but he couldn't resist it.

“The FA need to look at their disciplinary regulations.

“At the moment, they will only act and suspend a player if a dive is successful; i.e. the referee has been conned and a penalty, for example, has been wrongly given.

“One thing is for sure, if Alli is fouled in the last minute of a game that Spurs are trailing 1-0, his previous actions could make a referee doubt the validity of his fall.”

Manager Mauricio Pochettino also condemned his player’s actions after the game, stating: “This action doesn't help him, doesn't help the team and doesn't help football.”