Dele Alli's middle-finger salute during England's win over Slovakia was aimed at his teammate Kyle Walker in jest and not the referee, coach Gareth Southgate said.
Alli had just endured a rough challenge from Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel, but referee Clement Turpin waved play on.
Cameras then caught Alli showing his middle finger in the direction of Turpin after he had turned away, an action that could result in retrospective punishment if it is included in the referee's match report.
But after England secured a 2-1 win, Southgate said Turpin was not the target of Alli's gesture.