Chelsea striker Fernando Torres could face an extended ban (up to four games) if the Football Association decides to act over his violent behavior with Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.
Torres was given the marching orders against Tottenham Hotspur after the Spaniard received two yellow cards during Saturday’s London derby at White Hart Lane.
While the second yellow he received was highly doubtful as the striker went for a 50-50 challenge with the Belgian defender where both raised their arms but didn’t touch the face, the first one was highly controversial. In fact, Torres was lucky to stay on the pitch and should have been sent off for scratching Vertonghen’s face.
Referee Mike Dean wasn’t in the proper position to see the event and took no severe action against the Spaniard but if his match report confirms nothing about the incident, the video will be passed to the FA’s new independent disciplinary panel, where Torres’ fate will be decided. If the panel finds him guilty, Torres may get a four-match ban.
But who is to blame here? Of course, Torres, who else?
The Spaniard for the first time in last two years was giving the impression of the player he once was at Liverpool. He was charging at the defenders, was willing to beat others in pace and his movement was equally brilliant.
No wonder why Jose Mourinho said after the match that this is the Torres he wants to see week-in-week-out at Chelsea. It seemed like he was fired up for this tie. It gave the impression that he was determined to prove a point to everyone who thought/said/wrote/doubted that he is finished.
Michael Cox noted that the petulant side of Torres, which we saw that day, is only indicative of the fact that he is actually returning to form and enjoying his game.
It seemed like it was a desperate attempt from him to reignite his game, to take it back to the old level. All he needed was to carry the momentum in the following games to get back to his old groove. All strikers need that.
But, if he gets a lengthy ban, he would miss out game time for more than two weeks and that would hamper the flow he was in. Most importantly, it could serve as a huge blow to his confidence.
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