• Premier League

Villas-Boas brands Torres decision a 'disgrace'

Fernando Torres did not face further action for this incident © PA Photos

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Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has branded the decision from the FA not to hand Chelsea's Fernando Torres a ban a "joke" and a "disgrace".

The Spaniard scratched the face of defender Jan Vertonghen during the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane on Saturday. Torres was given a yellow card for the incident, and was later sent off after colliding with the defender again.

And the FA opted not to further punish the striker for the scratch on Vertonghen, leaving Villas-Boas to blast the decision.

"It's extremely difficult to know where to start. Obviously, it's almost a farcical decision. It doesn't matter to me which player or club is involved," he said.

"Neither do I want to with my words put into question Fernando's integrity; neither their manager's in trying to defend our position. I think the FA has made a decision that's almost a joke. It looks incredible.

"How can you see the images and come out without punishment on something that overtakes all professional behaviour? I think the decision is a disgrace. If the committee can't solve such clear images I don't think it sets a good first example. We're not asking nobody to retract themselves; the player to retract themselves. That would not be fair.

"This is a competition and in the end they came up with what they thought was fair for that.

"We don't want Fernando suspended because it can make them weaker because their bench is so strong, whoever comes in for them makes them even strong, but I think the FA has lost the opportunity to put some sense into the images everybody saw."

Former referee Mark Halsey described the FA as a "laughing stock" following the decision, and Villas-Boas said: "I'm grateful for ex-refs to be able to enlighten people a little bit more, though I think most of you guys saw the incident as something that is no tolerable in football."

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