Jamie Vardy says that Dele Alli should not be reprimanded for swearing, insisting that every footballer needs banter in their lives.

In one of those quotes that sounds way too good to be true, Vardy explained why Alli should not be banned by FIFA for the incident. On that we agree.

As an explanation, Vardy turned philosopher, offering his thoughts on the existential importance of banter to the everyday life of a footballer.

“The middle finger? Come on, it’s harmless,” Vardy said. “It’s just something that has been blown out of proportion. He was doing it to Walks. “It’s just harmless banter and has been blown way out of proportion. They’re always having a laugh and a giggle. That’s just how they are. “They were team-mates for a few years. They’re going to like to mess around, especially now that Walks has moved on himself. “It would definitely be harsh [if he got banned]. If he is getting reprimanded for that, then we might as well take emotion and enjoyment out of the game. “Everyone has got to have a bit of banter, otherwise I don’t think you would get through the day of being a footballer.”

That’s the epitaph sorted…