Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen will not face an FA charge for his clash with Southampton’s Jay Rodruguez.
TV pictures appeared to show him scratching Rodriguez in the face during Tottenham’s 4-1 win over the Saints.
Referee Mike Dean missed the incident, however it was referred to the FA by an independent three-man panel, comprising of three ex-referees.
The panel could not reach a unanimous decision that the incident was worthy of a red card, and Vertonghen will be clear to face Chelsea next Wednesday.
Belgian Vertonghen, however, will still miss Spurs’ next game, against Watford on Sunday. He has accumulated five yellow cards this season, which carries an automatic one-match ban.
Tottenham are already without another defender through suspension, Kyle Walker, who has also reached five bookings this season. Toby Alderweireld, who has missed Spurs’ last two matches, could return from illness in time to partner Eric Dier at Vicarage Road.
By Steve Osborne                  @BlizzardSteve75
