M.I.A. could face a fine of thousands of dollars for swearing during her performance at the Super Bowl last Sunday.

The rapper shocked millions of viewers and members of the audience when she "flipped the bird" during her performance of 'Give Me All Your Luvin' with Madonna and Nicki Minaj.

Broadcaster NBC were forced to issue an apology almost immediately and a member of her camp blamed her actions on the "adrenaline" rush.

While M.I.A. is yet to make an official apology herself, TMZ reports that the rapper herself will be fined, not the TV network, as she is liable for her own actions.

If M.I.A. is found by the US' Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to be in breach of her contract, she could be slapped with a hefty fine.

The incident is similar to that of Janet Jackson, who was performing alongside Justin Timberlake at the 2004 Super Bowl, when a wardrobe malfunction caused her breast to become exposed.

Janet was not fined herself, but TV network CBS were made to pay $550,000 (£348,000).

Does M.I.A. deserve to be fined?

Nicki Minaj performs at Super Bowl with Madonna and M.I.A. wearing no underwear...