Mousa Dembele facing extended ban after FA charge Tottenham midfielder with eye-gouging Chelsea’s Diego Costa
Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele is facing a lengthy ban after he was charged with violent conduct by the Football Association (FA) for appearing to gouge Chelsea striker Diego Costa in the eye.
The FA emphasised that Dembele’s alleged offence was so severe that, if found guilty, he should be punished more severely than with the three-match suspension that violent conduct typically carries.
Spurs and the Blues have also been charged with three counts each of failing to control their players during Monday’s bad-tempered London derby at Stamford Bridge.
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The dramatic 2-2 draw, which ended Tottenham’s hopes of catching runaway Premier League leaders Leicester and winning a first top-flight title since 1961, featured several melees.
Dembele appeared to claw at Costa’s eyes during one mass confrontation. Referee Mark Clattenburg missed the incident but the FA took action after reviewing video evidence.
“Mousa Dembele has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video during the same game,” the FA said.
“Further, it is alleged the player’s behaviour constituted violent conduct in circumstances where the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply is clearly insufficient.”
The FA has also brought charges in relation to three scuffles between the two teams: one just before half-time, another three minutes from time and the last after the final whistle.
The final brawl saw Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink pushed to the ground as he attempted to separate midfielder Cesc Fabregas from members of the visitors’ entourage.
All parties have until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charges. Tottenham are already facing an automatic fine after their players incurred a Premier League record nine bookings.
If Dembele is suspended his ban would run into next season as Spurs have just two games left this term.