Spurs’ Dembele gets six-match ban for Costa clash

Dembele had a two-year spell with Fulham before joining Spurs
Dembele had a two-year spell with Fulham before joining Spurs

Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele has been handed a six-match ban by the Football Association following his eye gouging of Chelsea’s Diego Costa.

The incident happened in injury-time during the first half of Monday’s 2-2 draw between the two sides at Stamford Bridge.

Former Fulham midfielder Dembele accepted the charge of violent conduct, which was not seen by the match officials but was caught on camera.

He denied the FA’s claim that the standard three-match ban was insufficient, given the incident, but an independent commission upheld the suspension on Friday.

Both Chelsea and Tottenham have been charged for failing to control their players, after two separate melees.

The clubs have until 6pm on Monday to respond to the charge.