• Premier League

Torres faces longer ban

ESPN staff
September 30, 2013
Mourinho believed that Vertonghen was to blame for Torres' red card


Chelsea striker Fernando Torres could face a four-game ban after his controversial sending-off in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

The Spain international was dismissed after received a second booking following a second tangle with Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen, and has no right of appeal against the one-match ban that brings.

But the incident that could lead to him being banned for an extra three matches came in the same confrontation that saw him receive his first booking.

He tripped Vertonghen but then appeared to scratch at the defender's face. Referee Mike Dean is thought likely to confirm that he did not see that part of the incident, with the card thought to have been issued for the trip rather than the clash as a whole.

What happened will now be reviewed by the Premier League and FA's new video panel of former referees - and if they rule that it constituted violent conduct, it could lead to a charge and the additional ban.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was infuriated by the second booking for Torres, accusing Vertonghen - who had a running battle with the forward - of staying down and holding his head after an aerial challenge.

He did not lambast Dean, adding: "The referee trusted the player. When he saw him pretending there had been a violent action, he took a normal decision. It was a bad one, but the player didn't help the referee."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices