Football: Chelsea's Torres avoids fresh FA action for scratching Spurs' Vertonghen

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres (above) will not face retrospective disciplinary action for scratching the face of Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen, England's governing Football Association said Tuesday, Oct 1, 2013. -- PHOTO:REUTERS
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres (above) will not face retrospective disciplinary action for scratching the face of Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen, England's governing Football Association said Tuesday, Oct 1, 2013. -- PHOTO:REUTERS

LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea striker Fernando Torres will not face retrospective disciplinary action for scratching the face of Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen, England's governing Football Association said Tuesday.

Spain forward Torres was seen by television cameras to have clawed at the face of Spurs' Belgian defender and that led the FA to review the incident, which took place during a 1-1 Premier League draw involving the London clubs at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

However, as one of the match officials saw the incident, the FA said it would not be taking additional action.

"The FA will take no action against Chelsea's Fernando Torres in relation to an incident involving Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen which occurred in the 50th minute of their match on Saturday 28 September 2013," an FA statement said.

"One of the match officials saw the coming together of the two players, albeit not in its entirety."

Torres was subsequently sent off after receiving two yellow cards, meaning he will serve just a one-match ban.

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