TOTTENHAM'S MOUSSA SISSOKO FACES BAN.

Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko has been charged with violent conduct by the English FA after appearing to elbow Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter.

The France international who came on as a second half substitute at the Vitality Stadium became embroiled in a tussle with Arter and and appeared to lash out, catching the Irishman in the face as the pair contested a throw in in the 79th minute.

Referee Craig Pawson missed the incident at the time and as a result, the French midfielder went Scot free. This has made the English Football Association to come in and take retrospective action.

On Monday, the FA announced that they have charged the player based on video evidence. Sissoko has until 6pm on Tuesday to reply. However, Tottenham look unlikely to contest the charge and will certainly lose the player for three games.

“The club, after viewing the video, we accept the charge and now we are moving forward, said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. After the game it was difficult to appreciate the situation.
 And then when you see it on TV, there was no intention but it was in the face of Arter and it was clear. We accept the charge and move forward with the three games suspension.

“It is true it is a blow because we are in a period where we need all the squad fit to compete. It is difficult now because he was a player in our plans tomorrow and now we have to change a little bit.

Some players need to rest a little bit. But we have a strong squad and we need to go tomorrow with mentality to win the game.”


Bournemouth midfielder Arter said: “He caught me straight in the face and if you get hit in the face anyone would have a reaction.

“After the game he apologised and I have to let it lie. I’m not one to hold grudges. He said sorry, he didn’t mean it, so that’s end of. From my point of view I am happy with his apology.

“I felt dazed, I felt stars in my eyes for a couple of seconds. I thought it was going to be a red card at the time.
The ref said he didn’t see it so it down to him if he does want to take any action.”